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Lot Essay
Qi Baishi (1864–1957), a native of Xiangtan in Hunan, was one of the most influential painters of twentieth century China. Originally trained as a carpenter, he later achieved distinction in painting, calligraphy, poetry, and seal carving. His art is guided by the principle that “true mastery lies between likeness and unlikeness,” combining the directness of folk expression with the refinement of literati painting, and developing a highly individual style marked by bold colour and expressive ink.
Morning glories were among his favoured subjects, rooted in both memory and observation. He recalled their profusion in his childhood home and later cultivated them himself, studying their daily cycle as they open in the morning and gradually fade later in the day. In his work, they evoke vitality while quietly alluding to the passage of time.
The present Morning Glories belongs to the artist’s mature period. Four blossoms open fully, rendered in saturated carmine tones with subtle modulation, while five buds at varying stages introduce a measured rhythm. The leaves are executed in broad, fluid strokes of ink, layered from wet to dry, and enlivened with touches of green and blue that interact with the ink, enriching the tonal range. Above, a black dragonfly enters from the upper left, its wings lightly outlined and its body defined with darker accents. This delicate movement contrasts with the stillness of the flowers and vines, animating the composition. Vertical strokes suggest a supporting structure, stabilising the space while alluding to the plant’s climbing nature.
The work exemplifies Qi Baishi’s mature aesthetic: forms are recognisable yet freely handled, colour is vivid yet controlled, and a few economical strokes suffice to evoke life and movement. The interplay of red, blue, green, ink, and reserve creates a composition that is both lively and balanced, combining spontaneity with quiet authority.
For comparable examples, see other morning glory compositions by Qi Baishi, including Morning Glory and Mantis (dated 1946), from the collection of Dr K S Lo, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 26 November 2013, lot 1375; Morning Glories and Chicks, from the collection of the descendants of Qi Rushan, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1 May 2025, lot 604; and Morning Glories and Grasshopper, from the Bai Hong Lou collection of Tan Keng Cheow, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1 May 2025, lot 725.
Morning glories were among his favoured subjects, rooted in both memory and observation. He recalled their profusion in his childhood home and later cultivated them himself, studying their daily cycle as they open in the morning and gradually fade later in the day. In his work, they evoke vitality while quietly alluding to the passage of time.
The present Morning Glories belongs to the artist’s mature period. Four blossoms open fully, rendered in saturated carmine tones with subtle modulation, while five buds at varying stages introduce a measured rhythm. The leaves are executed in broad, fluid strokes of ink, layered from wet to dry, and enlivened with touches of green and blue that interact with the ink, enriching the tonal range. Above, a black dragonfly enters from the upper left, its wings lightly outlined and its body defined with darker accents. This delicate movement contrasts with the stillness of the flowers and vines, animating the composition. Vertical strokes suggest a supporting structure, stabilising the space while alluding to the plant’s climbing nature.
The work exemplifies Qi Baishi’s mature aesthetic: forms are recognisable yet freely handled, colour is vivid yet controlled, and a few economical strokes suffice to evoke life and movement. The interplay of red, blue, green, ink, and reserve creates a composition that is both lively and balanced, combining spontaneity with quiet authority.
For comparable examples, see other morning glory compositions by Qi Baishi, including Morning Glory and Mantis (dated 1946), from the collection of Dr K S Lo, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 26 November 2013, lot 1375; Morning Glories and Chicks, from the collection of the descendants of Qi Rushan, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1 May 2025, lot 604; and Morning Glories and Grasshopper, from the Bai Hong Lou collection of Tan Keng Cheow, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1 May 2025, lot 725.