A Hai

marked with three artist seals, framed

Private Collection, China

Generally good condition overall.
"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."

As a graduate of Chinese painting from the Nanjing Academy of Art, A Hai approaches ink painting as a storyteller with a brush. Green Earth (qing geng) is a reference to the fictional mountain from the legendary novel Dream of the Red Chamber by famous Qing dynasty author Cao Xueqin (1715-1765). The name  is a play on the words qing gen meaning the root of love.  In the novel, the protagonist Jia Baoyu was in a previous life a piece of stone from the Wall of Heaven and abandoned by Mount Qing Gen. In his next life he is transformed into a piece of jade and condemned to learn the emptiness of human life by falling into a series of tragic love affairs.  In A Hai's densely colored painting, the fanciful peacock, looming scholar rock and stoically robed figure are in a perpetual state of estrangement. The rusted, jade green background is like a stage wherein the actors are caught mid-gesture and in a moment that transcends time and space.  In a contemporary context, A Hai's dreamlike scene is a poetic homage to the decadent, yet futile state of mortal existence.