- 218
AI WEIWEI | Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn
Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Ai Weiwei
- Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn
- Lego bricks on panel, in three parts
- each: 231 by 193 cm. 94 7/8 by 76 in.
- Executed in 2015-16, this work is number 1 from an edition 30.
Provenance
Mary Boone Gallery, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner
Acquired from the above by the present owner
Exhibited
Melbourne, National Gallery of Victoria; and Pittsburgh, The Andy Warhol Museum, Andy Warhol / Ai Weiwei, December 2015 - September 2016 (ed. no. unknown)
New York, Mary Boone Gallery, Ai Weiwei 2016: Roots and Branches, November - December 2016 (ed. no. unknown)
New York, Mary Boone Gallery, Ai Weiwei 2016: Roots and Branches, November - December 2016 (ed. no. unknown)
Condition
Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although it fails to convey the nuances in the grey tones and the individual lego pieces. Condition: This work is in very good and original 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."
"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
“The concept of one voice standing for something larger… applies to the effectiveness of LEGO bricks as the medium for this installation. A single LEGO brick symbolises, in part, Ai’s emphasis on the power of the individual, building upon each other to create a movement. In a video interview with NPR in June, the artist explained, ‘I want the image to be seen, and to create that image, we need a language. So LEGO, I think, is the easiest language’” Emily Karcher Schmitt, 'In LEGO language, Chinese artist Ai WeiWei Makes Powerful Statement', Smithsonian Insider, 2 October 2017, online).
This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist.
This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist.