Lot 526
  • 526

Tong Yangtze

Estimate
150,000 - 250,000 HKD
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Description

  • Tong Yangtze
  • Be Happy and Peaceful Since You are Here!
  • ink on gilded paper, framed
  • executed in 2005
executed in 2005
marked with four seals of the artist

Provenance

Eslite Gallery, Taipei
Private Asian Collection

Exhibited

Taiwan, Taipei, Eslite Gallery, Chen Mo Shi Jin, 15 April - 7 May, 2006

Condition

Overall in good condition. There is scattered foxing on the margins of the paper, which can be improved with restoration.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Born in Shanghai, Tong Yangtze began practicing calligraphy in the Yan and Wei styles since the age of eight. Her exposure to other art forms were broadened as she received her bachelor's degree in art from the National Taiwan Normal University in 1966, and the master's degree in oil painting and ceramics from University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA in 1970. In subsequent years she settled in Taiwan and chose ink as the medium for her explorations in contemporary art. She is an internationally recognized calligrapher known for her bold, expressive and innovative forms.  

An advocate of classical Chinese philosophy, Tong draws inspiration from moral texts of Chinese history and channels her spirited energy through her brush to animate the forms of her iconic cursive style calligraphy. With each expression, she proclaims phrases that she aims to manifest herself and inspire others with such principles in life and actions. Be Happy and Peaceful Since You Are Here! , illustrates a phrase from the Confucian Analects interpreted as "take things as they come." Going beyond traditional practices, she often paints works of monumental sizes as installations for theatrical performances and collaborates with others in designing works for pop culture--including for performers such as Jay Chou and Cheer Chen--always emphasizing calligraphy as a multi-faceted art form that resonates with a contemporary generation. In her own words, "I was educated in art. I am not [just] a calligrapher. If I were only a calligrapher, calligraphy would have died!"1

1Tong Yangtze, Sincerity - A Sculpture in Motion, Commonwealth Publishing Group, Taipei, Taiwan, 2015, p. 56