Li Chen - 20th Century & Contemporary Art & Design Day Sale in Association with Poly Auction Hong Kong Sunday, June 6, 2021 | Phillips

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  • With direct influence from Buddhist philosophic ideals, Causal exhibits Li Chen’s singular skill in crafting forms of tranquil weightlessness to convey the transcendence of enlightenment. Supported by shining, ethereal figures, a meditative figure floats with eyes closed in peaceful contemplation. The central figure’s gently clasped hands and feet reflect the posture of the five behind, whose faces Li has rendered in exultant jubilation. Complex and multifaceted in composition, Causal reveals various aspects of Buddhist philosophy when viewed from different angles.

     

    When viewed from the front, the tranquil darkness of the central subject complements  the brilliant vibrancy of the five figures behind; when viewed from the side, however, the layered construction becomes apparent. Finally, the view of the reverse obstructs the central figure, as the five golden extensions now take the form of the holy Bodhi tree, branching from a sturdy, deeply rooted trunk. An exploration in the beauty of contrast, in Causal, Li juxtaposes light with shadow, texture with smoothness, buoyancy with mass, each antithetical element combing with melodious harmony to create a work of captivating calm and serene weightlessness.

     

    Li chen causal
    Detail of the present lot 

     

    • Provenance

      Taipei, Asia Art Center
      Acquired from the above by the present owner

    • Literature

      Taipei, Asia Art Center, Li Chen: In Search of Spiritual Space, Solo Exhibition at the National Art Museum of China, 2008, p. 190 (another example illustrated)
      Taipei, Asia Art Center, Greatness of Spirit: Li Chen, Premiere Sculpture Exhibition in Taiwan, 2012, p. 163 (another example illustrated)

174

Causal

incised with the artist's name and date ‘Li Chen [in Pinyin] 2008’ lower back; further incised with the artist’s seal and number '07/30' on the reverse of the black figure
bronze
49 x 35.5 x 29.5 cm. (19 1/4 x 13 7/8 x 11 5/8 in.)
Executed in 2008, this work is number 7 from an edition of 30, and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Asia Art Center.

Full Cataloguing

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 300,000 
€21,100-31,700
$25,600-38,500

Sold for HK$882,000

Contact Specialist

Danielle So
Associate Specialist, Head of Day Sale
DanielleSo@phillips.com

20th Century & Contemporary Art & Design Day Sale in Association with Poly Auction

Hong Kong Auction 7 June 2021