Catalogue Note:
This particular piece is characterized by Oriental elements in composition and style, yet also completes the difficult task of simultaneously displaying the curvaceous figure featured in Western paintings, especially evident in the shapes of the limbs. While the lower body appears rather ample, her hands and feet
are exceptionally delicate—the female body and the poetry of the
artwork mutually echo one another. The exquisite, emerald green wristlets and ear pendants further enhance the delicacy and purity of the woman, adding to the enchantment of the piece.
The female body is depicted in a style of artful simplicity, with bold calligraphy lines contrasting the delicacy of the woman’s flawless skin. The unadorned delightfulness pays no heed to popular preferences, with a greater emphasis focused on fully expressing the unique elegance inherent in Chinese ink painting. Ink and wash reached the peak of its development during the Song Dynasty, and increased popularity of literati paintings gave rise to diverse styles. The calligraphy and composition styles of this work are reminiscent of works by Song Dynasty artist Liang Kai and calligrapher and artist Sun Jinlong.