HONG KONG.- Sotheby’s Hong Kong presents Contemporary Ink Art: Journey, a themed auction presenting more than five decades of ink paintings by contemporary artists on 4 October 2016 during the Autumn Sales series. This sale of mainly fresh-to-market works from private collections worldwide features some of the most established artists from Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and its diaspora, including rare works and a range of early and later styles by artists such as CC Wang, Li Huayi, Liu Dan, Liu Guosong, Lui Shoukwan, and Zeng Xiaojun. Offering 95 lots, the sale is estimated at a range of HK$31 – 42 million / US$3.9 – 5.4 million*.

Katherine Don, Head of Contemporary Ink Art, Sotheby’s Hong Kong, adds, “The theme of this sale takes its cue from Liu Gusong’s Blue Moon Landscape inspired by man’s journey to the moon, and the juxtaposition of unusual early and iconic later works showing the evolution of individual artistic styles. Established over decades, the range of expression in contemporary ink art is difficult to categorise by geography, technique or content. Hybrid expressions may result in re-presentation of literati symbols, political satire, and calligraphic abstraction, among others. Contemporary Ink Art is increasingly recognised among collectors worldwide as an innovative aesthetic category with extraordinary momentum. We hope that viewers and collectors enjoy this sale, a journey that illustrates a vibrant contemporary dialogue rooted in tradition and growing in a myriad of directions.”

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
For the first time in a Sotheby's Contemporary Ink Art sale, both unusually early works and iconic later styles by established artists are showcased, highlighting a spectrum of innovation in ink art, as well as the evolution in individual artistic styles over time.

• Liu Dan (b. 1953) Sunflower 2002 Ink on paper, framed 42.8 x 37.6 cm Est. HK$800,000 – 1.2 million / US$104,000 – 155,000

• Li Huayi (b.1948) Untitled: Elements Series 1985 Ink, colour and collage on paper, hanging scroll 69 x 119 cm Est. HK$150,000 – 250,000 / US$19,400 – 32,300

• Li Huayi (b.1948) Pines in Pureland Mist 2012 Ink and colour on paper, framed 175.9 x 93.4 cm Est. HK$3.3 – 3.6 million / US$426,000 – 465,000

• Liu Dan b.1953 Warring States Procession Ink on paper, framed 1981 46 x 51 cm Est. HK$ 280,000 – 350,000 / US$36,200 – 45,200

• Liu Guosong (b. 1932) Blue Moon Landscape 1969 / 1990 Ink, colour, and collage on paper, framed 151.3 x 224.5 cm Est. HK$4 – 5 million / US$520,000 – 645,000

A DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE COLLECTION
This sale includes an assemblage of work owned by a collector with a vision of an international contemporary art connoisseur. Acquired in the 1980s and maintained in good condition, this collection is a diary of pioneering ink art works grounded in the Chinese painting tradition including paintings by C.C. Wang, Chen Chi-kwan, Ho Huaishuo, Hung Hoi, Li Huayi, Liu Kuo-sung, Lui Shou-kwan, and Wucius Wong.

• Chen Qikuan (Chen Chi-Kwan) (1921-2007) Mood Ink and colour on paper, hanging scroll 1989 62 x 62 cm Est. HK$150,000 – 250,000 / US$19,400 – 32,300

• Lui Shou-Kwan (Lü Shoukun) (1919-1975) Zen Abstract Ink and colour on paper 151.7 x 83.1 cm Est. HK$400,000 – 600,000/ US$52,000 – 77,500

• Wang Jiqian (C. C. Wang) (1907-2003) Snowscape No.432 Ink and colour on paper 1981 85 x 59 cm Est. HK$150,000 – 250,000 / US$19,400 – 32,300

WOMEN ARTISTS
United by a foundation in ink painting and a focus on tradition, selected works in this sale represent women artists whose innovations in painting transcend gender differences. Works by Irene Chou, Fang Zhaolin, Peng Wei, Tong Yangtze, Tseng Yuho, and Xu Lele concentrate on profound questions about art from a social and historical context, such as the quest for Chinese identity or the universality of painting.

• Irene Chou (Zhou Luyun) (b. 1924) The Universe is My Mind 2004 Ink and acrylic on satin, framed 113 x 51 cm Est. HK$220,000 – 280,000 / US$28,400 – 36,200

• Tseng Yuho (Zeng Youhe) (b.1923) The Fishpond, Hawaii-Kai (Diptych) 1980 Ink, acrylic, aluminum, dsui collage and handmade paper mounted on canvas, framed 155.6 x 125.2 cm Est. HK$200,000 – 300,000 / US$25,800 – 38,700