Peng Wei

executed in 2005

Private Collection, China

Generally in 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."

Peng Wei's art both commemorates a bygone era of the scholarly tradition and represents the subtle elegance and refinement of contemporary culture. Combining imagery of traditional literati painting with the modern forms and expressions of everyday life, her works reveal a playful expression of intimacy and beauty that is delightful and fresh.

As an artist, Peng Wei is acutely aware of the visual references that influence her work, from Song landscapes and Ming court paintings to Andy Warhol pop images and haute couture fashion. However she does not attribute her works to these direct influences; As the fortunate daughter of a great painter, Peng Xiancheng, she skillfully immerses herself in the forms of the past while effortlessly expressing an inner world of memories, love, and beauty. Her Robe Series (Lot 51) draws upon the elegant imperial textiles and patterns seen as early as the 10th century in China. The early Tang dynasty floral and Qing dynasty water patterns seamlessly merge together into one elegant form, transcending the centuries of their origin like timeless poetry. Contemporary writer and painter Xu Lei eloquently writes about Peng Wei's Robe series wherein she "portrays ancient garments with beautiful colors so that we can indulge ourselves in appreciating the beauty of it, thus forgetting about the lost world...It awes us with its delicacy and beauty so that we forget about its fragility. It gives a form to the lost emotions with its beautiful floral patterns."¹

¹ Peng Wei Works, Tina Keng Gallery, 2010, p 77