ATTRIBUTED TO HUANG BINHONG (1865-1955): ‘RIVER LANDSCAPE’

ATTRIBUTED TO HUANG BINHONG (1865-1955): ‘RIVER LANDSCAPE’ China, 20th century. Ink and gouache on paper. Mounted on paper with a silk brocade border. Painted freely with high mountains and thick forests with houses nestled in a valley, the meandering river with a few boats skirting the stream. Inscriptions: To the top-left, inscribed, signed, and sealed. Provenance: West Berkshire, United Kingdom, local trade. By repute acquired from a private estate. Condition: Good condition with wear, some foxing, and few water stains. The mounting in good condition with traces of use. Dimensions: Image size 34 x 30 cm, Size incl. mounting 44 x 37.4 cm Huang Binhong (1865-1955), was a Chinese literati painter and art historian born in Jinhua, Zhejiang province. He is considered one of the last innovators in the literati style of painting and is noted for his freehand landscapes. As a painter and art theorist, Binhong faced the challenge of a new society in 20th-century China, incorporating fresh ideas into traditional Chinese painting. His early painting style showed the influence of Li Liufang, Cheng Sui, Cheng Zhengkui, Kun Can, Hong Ren as well as the Yuan and Ming masters. Despite these ancient influences, some of his painting techniques, especially his experiments with the effects of light and his autonomous use of brush and ink, converged with those of Western Impressionism and Modernism. He developed calligraphic strokes in his works, forming a luxuriant and richly integrated style in which he deftly manipulated solid and void. At the end of his career, when his eyesight was failing, Huang Binhong nearly departed from figuration in his paintings, while still infusing them with the essential spirit and resonance of the natural landscape. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 2 December 2008, lot 1402 Price: HKD 150,000 or approx. EUR 26,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: Huang Binhong (1864-1955), Boating Expert remark: Note the similar size (40.6 x 29.5 cm).