Yu Hui

each signed and marked with one seal of the artist

Browse & Darby, London
Acquired by the family of the present owners

Collection of Yu Hui's Flower and Bird Paintings, Rong Bao Zhai, Beijing, China, September 1991

Both works are overall in very good condition. Framed with acrylic: (i)78 by 79.5 cm; (ii) 92.5 by 66.5 cm.
"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."

 “When I have enough idle time to take up the brush and paint, I find the tenderness of nature undoubtedly permeates my soul. And as long as I can observe the small birds perching on branches under the setting sun, I can preserve the sentiment. At this stage I begin to paint my ideas.” – Yu Hui

Yu Hui, born in 1960 in Nanjing, studied gongbi (fine-line brush technique) painting with her father Yu Jigao, who is a renowned in China for his classical bird and flower paintings. In 1983 she received a BA degree from the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Painting Institute, and graduated from the Academic Research department at the Art School of Peking University in 2006. Inspired by the refinement and rich colors of Song Dynasty (1127-1279) paintings, Yu Hui uses direct observations of nature to create delicate works in the pursuit of the subtlety and simplicity of classical court paintings.  

Quail in Bamboo Grove & Tranquillity mark the beginning of her bird and flower paintings, created in a traditional Chinese style combined with Neo-classicism and personal expression. The subject of bird and bamboo expresses the spirit of Chinese literati paintings, yet the unconventional composition – cropping the top of bamboos and leaves sprout from the ground – implies a modern transformation.