Chen Chengbo (Chen Chengpo)

signed in Chinese and dated 1939 (lower left)
Executed in 1939
THIS IS A PREMIUM LOT. CLIENTS WHO WISH TO BID ON PREMIUM LOTS ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE THE PREMIUM LOT PRE-REGISTRATION 3 WORKING DAYS PRIOR TO THE SALE. BIDnow ONLINE BIDDING SERVICE IS NOT AVALIABLE.

Private Asian Collection

Taipei, Zhongshan Hall, The Second Taiwan Government Art Exhibition, October, 1939
Taipei, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Chen Chen Cheng-po Centennial Memorial Exhibition, August, 1994
Taipei, Tzuen Tsae International Art Co. Ltd, Art Treasures Four, 2005

Wang Hanggong (ed.), Art Archive from the Japanese Occupation of Taiwan, Exhibition 1-10, Government Exhibition 1-6: A Record of Taiwanese Western Art Artists, Taiwan, 1992, p.160
Chen Cheng Po - Taiwan Fine Arts Series 1, Taiwan, 1992, Artist Co. Ltd., pp.134, 240
Chen Cheng-Po Centennial Memorial Exhibition, Taiwan, 1994, Taiwan Fine Arts Museum Publishing Co., p.78 
Family Art Museum-Ancestor Art Collection, Colour, Passion: Chen Chengbo, Taiwan, 2000, Lion Head Publishing Company Ltd., p.105
National Treasures: A Century of Oil Painting, Taipei, 2004, Goethe Art Centre, p.26
Collection of Chen Cheng-po: Art Treasures Four, Taiwan, 2005, Tzuen Tsae International Art Co.Ltd., p.79
Sotheby's 20th Century Chinese Art Sale, Hong Kong, October 2008, pp. 46-47, Lot 107

Generally in satisfactory condition with minor paint cracks on the top right. Restoration is visible under a UV light, particularly at the upper right.
"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."

Chen Chengbo was born and brought up in Jiayi, Taiwan, and lived the 50 years of his life during the period of the Japanese colonization of Taiwan.  Despite this, he said that thoughts of independence from colonial rule were relatively far from his mind; mostly he was concerned with the land under his own feet.  From this work we can see rocks and waves lashing against the landmass of Maobitou Cape in the south of Taiwan.  The composition of the work directs the viewer's focus of vision to the fisherman; despite the ferocity of the waves, they stand facing them unshaken.  Their steadfast stance points to the perseverance of the people of the land, keeping their feet planted firmly on the ground, in keeping with the spirit of that unusual time.