- 7
Shen Zongqian Active Circa 1745-1793
Estimate
7,000 - 9,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Shen Zongqian
- Landscape
- hanging scroll, ink on patterned paper
depicting a a scholar in his studio set among trees along the banks of a river flowing through a dramatic mountainous landscape with dwellings tucked among the cliffs, with an inscription which may be translated:
It is said that painters always took the old masters as teachers, but from past to present, to be in this profession one needs to take Heaven and Earth as teacher. One should observe every morning the changing effects of the clouds. Break off the practicing after painted mountains and go out for a stroll among the real mountains. When one sees strange trees, one should grasp them from all four sides. Trees might have a left side which cannot be used in a painting, but the right side might work well. It is the same way with the front and the back of the tree. One should become completely familiar with a tree and then one can naturally transmit its spirit. To do this, one must use the form of the tree, but the form and artist's heart and hand must all work together, and then one can forget about those artificial dictums on which the spirit is said to rely. Then there will indeed be trees in the painting which have their own life on silk. They will be profuse and dense without being crowded; vigorous and bountiful without seeming wasted. These are the things an artist needs to make a name for himself. (signed) Shen Peisheng of Yixi reinscribed, bearing three seals: Shen Zongqian yin, Jiezhou, and one undeciphered, Japanese wood box (2)
It is said that painters always took the old masters as teachers, but from past to present, to be in this profession one needs to take Heaven and Earth as teacher. One should observe every morning the changing effects of the clouds. Break off the practicing after painted mountains and go out for a stroll among the real mountains. When one sees strange trees, one should grasp them from all four sides. Trees might have a left side which cannot be used in a painting, but the right side might work well. It is the same way with the front and the back of the tree. One should become completely familiar with a tree and then one can naturally transmit its spirit. To do this, one must use the form of the tree, but the form and artist's heart and hand must all work together, and then one can forget about those artificial dictums on which the spirit is said to rely. Then there will indeed be trees in the painting which have their own life on silk. They will be profuse and dense without being crowded; vigorous and bountiful without seeming wasted. These are the things an artist needs to make a name for himself. (signed) Shen Peisheng of Yixi reinscribed, bearing three seals: Shen Zongqian yin, Jiezhou, and one undeciphered, Japanese wood box (2)
Exhibited
Chinese Paintings from the Henricksen Collection, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University; Tyler Art Gallery, State University of New York, Oswego, 5th September 2002 - 23rd February 2003, cat. no. 8, illustrated.
Condition
paper toned, surface soiled, surface abrasions, scattered creases, scattered small repairs, possible scattered repaired tears
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Dr. Sewall Oertling notes that the inscription on the present work is a close transcription of a passage by the late Ming painter and critic Dong Qichang. (op.cit. p. 27)