- 1120
XI GANG 1746-1803 | LANDSCAPES
Description
- Xi Gang
- LANDSCAPES
- ink on silk, album of twelve leaves
- each 14.8 by 17.5 cm. 5 3/4 by 6 7/8 in. (12)
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.
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
Sanmu jushi is known as one of the Four Masters of Xiling for his seal-carving. He was adept at calligraphy and especially accomplished in painting. Moxiangju huashi notes that his "landscape paintings are untrammeled and natural, endowed with both bone method and flesh--as people say, 'with both brush and ink.'" This freely painted album is naturally transcendent. The painter says that he is imitating Xiaoguang, but he is not mired in formal likeness, and captures the spirit and intent of the original completely. Executed at leisure for his own pleasure, this album is superior to works that are painted in belabored manner. It was formerly in Shuangxi laoren's collection. Having had the chance to view it, I have written these few words.
Jiang Zhaoshen's colophon:
Mengquan waishi was my fellow townsman from Shexian but lived in Qiantang, where he met the Xiling group. In the past in Hangzhou, I saw his brush traces in the various temples on the twin peaks. His works are alike archaic and pure, without any trace of artfulness. This was probably because he traced his lineage from Dong Sibai to Huang Yifeng [Huang Gongwang], and then devoted himself to understanding the secrets of the Yuan masters. These twelve leaves were painted after various Song and Yuan masters. Painted purely from the mind, they are completely natural and unbelabored, and thus are transcendent and full of resonance. They are quintessential literati paintings. Those who attend to intentional brushwork are far from aesthetic refinement!