Tang Haiwen

A: signed in pinyin and Chinese; signed in pinyin and Chinese and inscribed with the artist's notes on the reverse
B: signed in pinyin and Chinese
C: signed in pinyin and Chinese
D: signed in pinyin and Chinese

Private European Collection

The four works are in very good condition overall. There is evidence of slight discolouration in the upper right area on work D. There are two slight tears on work C, one on the left edge 6 cm from the bottom, another one on the right edge, 2 cm in length and 1.5 cm from the bottom.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A: The inscription on the reverse reads:
"What are you up to ? I wish I could hear from you soon. Lately, I had some group works exhibited at the "Salon du Surindépendant". Will you come to Paris for holidays ? I wish you a merry Christmas and a very happy new year."
- Tang

The oeuvre of Tang is coherent to the European Post-War art scene. With his shift in painting style, the medium he used also changed from oil to ink, water colour and acrylic on paper, which display the essence of Eastern culture that was deeply rooted in him. His Forest (Lot 608) from 1964 depicts a relaxing stroll in the forest using a flat composition. It reminds us of the nostalgic country life that Marc Chagall missed. Even though the artist turned to abstraction later on, viewers could nonetheless sense the traveler's spirit steeped in his works. Untitled (Lot 611), Untitled , Untitled (Lot 612) and a set of four paintings Untitled (Lot 609) were as if chapters from a traveler's diary. In addition, the inner journey was crucial to Tang. They directed the lines, ink washes and symbols to form his pure abstract pieces: Untitled (Lot 518), Untitled (Lot 519) and Untitled (Lot 610) all created a sense of drifting consciousness through the movement of ink. As the artist commented on his oeuvre, "My paintings are neither abstract nor figurative. They do not represent any worldly matters but intend to surpass the boundary of consciousness and to create a new form to denote the nature and its rhythm."