Seated Lady and Flower Vase

Details

LIN FENGMIAN (1900-1991)
Seated Lady and Flower Vase
Scroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper
68 x 66 cm. (26 ¾ x 26 in.)
Signed, with one seal of the artist

Further details

The current owner’s father was a Swedish diplomat who served as First Secretary at the Swedish Embassy in China and was stationed in Shanghai from 1962 to 1964, together with his wife. In 1964, the couple became acquainted with the artist Lin Fengmian and were invited to his residence, where the wife personally selected and acquired these two paintings.
The family subsequently returned to Sweden. The father continued his diplomatic career, holding various posts within the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and serving in multiple countries and regions throughout his life. The two paintings accompanied them through their many residing locations over the years, and were later passed down to their children—the current owners—still retaining their original mounting.

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Carmen Shek Cerne (石嘉雯) Vice President, Head of Department, Chinese Paintings

cshek@christies.com +852 2978 9981

Lot Essay

These two paintings of ladies by Lin Fengmian, though sharing the artist’s beloved subject matter, each possess a distinct artistic conception and brushwork, complementing each other beautifully.
In Lady playing Yueqin (Lot 177), a somber blue tone pervades the composition, creating a profound and tranquil atmosphere. The lady, with downcast eyes, seems lost in thought. The moon guitar in her arms is highlighted with gamboge, forming a subtle contrast with the background—like a faint melody emerging from the depths of serenity.
Seated Lady and Flower Vase (Lot 178), by contrast, presents a vibrant and lively mood. The lady’s attire is dominated by bright gamboge, while the backdrop features layered and richly colored drapes, complemented by exuberant blossoms in a vase. The overall palette is luminous and fresh, exuding lightness and vitality.
One is still, the other dynamic; one steeped in quiet depth, the other radiant with life. Together, they not only demonstrate the artist’s mastery and versatility within a single theme but also reflect the collector’s refined and discerning taste. Juxtaposed, they enhance each other’s presence—truly an exceptional pair.

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