Ju Ming (Zhu Ming)

executed in 1986

Hong Kong, Hanart 2 Gallery, Hanart 2 Gallery Exhibition, 1988

This pair of works is consistent with the artist's chosen medium and working method. It is in our opinion that both works are in good condition. One of the works had previously gone through insect prevention process.
"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 addition to his innovative techniques in bronze, Ju Ming still carved in wood, but he stopped using chisels. Instead, he developed his own “fast blade” technique based on his belief that “one must cut quickly with an empty, unthinking mind. You can carve something in just two or three minutes, but as soon as you start thinking, seven or eight minutes have passed. So I want my thoughts to trail behind my knife. Then, I will have carved my most authentic reactions”. After observing the qualities of the wood and deciding what he wanted to carve, he would cut, cleave, and plane in accordance with the natural grain of the wood. His new tools allowed him to work more quickly, and he would complete a whole work in one fell swoop. Sometimes he carved several sculptures in a row, stopping only when he had completed all the works and then choosing  the most satisfactory result among them. This special auction features just one pair of wooden Taichi sculptures: Taichi Series: Boxing (Lot 1004), created in 1986, an outstanding example of these unique characteristics. The posture of the figure on the left comes from the motions of pushing hands, whereas the shape of figure on the right is derived from a spinning kick. The figure on the left appears to observe his counterpart’s lithe and powerful kick, illustrating the emphasis in Taichi boxing on understanding one’s opponent to make corresponding modifications to one’s stance.