- 1041
JU MING | Taichi Series - Single Whip
Estimate
2,400,000 - 3,500,000 HKD
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Description
- Taichi Series - Single Whip
- incised with the artist's signature in Chinese, dated '90
- wood
- 60.7 by 27.8 by 38.2 cm; 23 ⅞ by 10 ⅞ by 15 in.
Provenance
Important Private Asian Collection
Condition
The work is overall in very good condition. There are a few very minor cracks at the back of the sculpture, which are inherent to the material's natural state.
"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
A Great Force at its Core The sculptures of Ju Ming combine traditional craftsmanship with modernism, and in the field of Modern Asian Art, Ju Ming has inherited and propagated the essence of Chinese culture. The three-dimensional creativity of Ju Ming’s seminal Taichi Series has earned widespread international favour, and many of the artist’s large sculptures have been collected by top-tier museums and private collectors. As for the smaller works of dimensions appropriate for indoor display that have appeared on the auction market, all have sparked intensely competitive bidding, demonstrating how the sculptures from this series are treasured and prized. For this evening auction, Sotheby’s presents Taichi Series - Single Whip (Lot 1041). The iconic single whip posture imbues this voluminous sculpture with the metaphysical philosophy of Chinese martial arts, making it the greatest of all of Ju Ming’s Taichi sculptures of this size.
Single Whip takes its form from a signature fighting posture of Taichi boxing. This posture does not express an offensive tactic; rather, it effectively allows the boxer to maintain a stable defensive stance in which they can use the opponent’s power against them. Powerful counterattacking force can be mustered in this calm posture, as Qi energy sinks into the boxer’s core, allowing them to retreat in order to advance. Thus this stance represents the apex of the Taichi philosophy of “using calmness to control strength”. The figure in Taichi Series - Single Whip has a low centre of gravity. Its right leg is bent and strong, allowing the left leg to coil into a powerful whip. The figure embodies a balance of Yin and Yang energy, exuding power, agility, and natural grace. This pose is focused not on strength but on intention, striking a perfect concordance with the core spirit of Ju Ming’s sculptural art. The rough exterior texture of the artwork expresses the creator’s decision not to sedulously polish away the traces of his work, embodying the philosophy of prioritizing simplicity over complexity. Ju Ming omits the details of the human figure in order to concentrate on its essence while preserving the natural texture of his wooden materials. In this way, he achieves a return to purity and simplicity, as well as a unity between man and nature. The essence of Ju Ming’s Taichi Series lies not in the reproduction of various practiced forms, but rather in the use of skilful sculptural technique to capture the energy of fleeting human movements. The boxer’s shoulders are natural and unrestrained, and the wood’s texture stands in for creased, flowing sleeves. Thus the artist imbues his simple raw materials with unbound tension and vitality.
The interrelated sculptures of Ju Ming’s Taichi Series are multitudinous, and each possesses a distinctive form and spirit. Taichi Series - Single Whip expresses the wise and brave posture of a martial artist patiently gathering energy for a powerful strike. Due to its extraordinary appearance and energy, this work presents a unique opportunity to collect one of Ju Ming’s prized Taichi Series sculptures.
This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Nonprofit Organization Juming Culture and Education Foundation
Single Whip takes its form from a signature fighting posture of Taichi boxing. This posture does not express an offensive tactic; rather, it effectively allows the boxer to maintain a stable defensive stance in which they can use the opponent’s power against them. Powerful counterattacking force can be mustered in this calm posture, as Qi energy sinks into the boxer’s core, allowing them to retreat in order to advance. Thus this stance represents the apex of the Taichi philosophy of “using calmness to control strength”. The figure in Taichi Series - Single Whip has a low centre of gravity. Its right leg is bent and strong, allowing the left leg to coil into a powerful whip. The figure embodies a balance of Yin and Yang energy, exuding power, agility, and natural grace. This pose is focused not on strength but on intention, striking a perfect concordance with the core spirit of Ju Ming’s sculptural art. The rough exterior texture of the artwork expresses the creator’s decision not to sedulously polish away the traces of his work, embodying the philosophy of prioritizing simplicity over complexity. Ju Ming omits the details of the human figure in order to concentrate on its essence while preserving the natural texture of his wooden materials. In this way, he achieves a return to purity and simplicity, as well as a unity between man and nature. The essence of Ju Ming’s Taichi Series lies not in the reproduction of various practiced forms, but rather in the use of skilful sculptural technique to capture the energy of fleeting human movements. The boxer’s shoulders are natural and unrestrained, and the wood’s texture stands in for creased, flowing sleeves. Thus the artist imbues his simple raw materials with unbound tension and vitality.
The interrelated sculptures of Ju Ming’s Taichi Series are multitudinous, and each possesses a distinctive form and spirit. Taichi Series - Single Whip expresses the wise and brave posture of a martial artist patiently gathering energy for a powerful strike. Due to its extraordinary appearance and energy, this work presents a unique opportunity to collect one of Ju Ming’s prized Taichi Series sculptures.
This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Nonprofit Organization Juming Culture and Education Foundation