Li Yihong (Lee I-hung)

signed LI YIHONG, inscribed, dated 1987 and with three seals of the artist

Plum Blossoms, Hong Kong, 1988
Private European Collection

Overall in good condition
"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."

Lee I-hung is a representative of the early experimental art circles in Taiwan focusing on the development of Chinese painting.  His contemporary ink paintings of the 1980s incorporate motifs from Chinese landscape and figurative painting. Lee inserts a sense of contemporary humour into his paintings that humanizes the lofty scholar nature of traditional works. Beneath the Pine Trees (lot 2882) presents a candid moment of a dozing scholar and instills his painting with a sense of humanity. It is thus befitting that Lee is also an avid photographer, who relishes the instantaneous capture of contemporary life. Gazing Out the Window  (lot 2883) is an unusual exploration of mixed media, combining photography and ink painting. Printed on xuan paper, the photographic image is altered by Lee's exploration in ink that transforms the still-life image to an imaginative landscape.