Ju Ming (Zhu Ming)

signed in Chinese, inscribed "Fumei Happy Birthday" in Chinese and dated '91 (lower back)
Edition 2/10
Executed in 1991

Private Asian Collection

This sculpture is in good 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."

This sculpture was given by the artist to his wife, Chen Fumei, as a birthday gift in 1991.

Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Caves Art Center, signed by the artist

In the late 1970s, Ju Ming began to practice taichi as a way to strengthen his body and mind. In this process, through the movements of taichi, he began to understand ancient Chinese wisdom, the movement of energy and the harmonious relationship between man and nature. Taking this as the source of his inspiration, in 1976, Ju Ming began to create his breathtaking Taichi Series, earning him international recognition. Within the Taichi Series  the most classic and well-known sculptures are the Single Whip  works. In 1978, Ju Ming held an exhibition at the Tokyo Museum of Art at which 28 pieces from his Taichi Series  were assembled for the first time and received much acclaim and discussion. The exhibition included one Single Whip  sculpture which measured 150 centimeters in height and was purchased by Japan's Hakone Open Air Museum for its own collection, after the exhibition. Similar large-scale Single Whip  sculptures have also been purchased for public collections; one of which is located at Hong Kong's Bank of China headquarters and the other is in Hong Kong's Exchange Square.

Although the sculpture in this sale is smaller than the aforementioned works, it is nonetheless matched in terms of spirit and energy. The heavy body of the sculpture, leaning towards the left arm, brings a heavy, weighted strength to the whole form. Meanwhile, the bend of the legs, one step apart, in conjunction with the raised right arm, lifts the structure and enhances the feeling of strength and creating a delicate balance between static and motion. From the implied gentility and movement, this sculpture exudes a strong sense of Chinese wisdom. 

Through Ju Ming's concise and strong cuts of the blade he simplifies the human form, omitting the details of movement and focusing on the meaning and energy of the sculpture. The viewer can feel the overwhelming reserves of energy and powerful presence of this form.