PROVENANCE:
Collection of UMC, Taipei
ILLUSTRATED:
Han Mo: CHIANG Chao-Shen (Part II), Han Mo Xuan, Hong Kong, 1992, color illustrated, p. E29
This painting is to be sold with a certificate of authenticity issued by Hanart Gallery, Taipei and signed by the artist
Catalogue Note:
MOUNTAIN AND LAKE
Chiang Chao-Shen was a 20th century master of traditional landscape paintings, one who both carried the torch from the maestros of the past while also bringing the art form to new realms. What's more, he was also accomplished in other forms of artistic expression, such as poetry, calligraphy, painting, and printmaking. A model scholar who excelled at researching art history, he studied diligently every chance he had, at every stage of his life. He was steeped in traditional humanistic studies, which served him well in his landscape paintings. His vast base of knowledge and pioneering vision opened a new chapter for the stagnating ink wash medium.
The horizontal landscape Mountain and Lake is a masterpiece painted after Chiang Chao-Shen retired from his position at the National Palace Museum and began a life of seclusion in 1991. In 1990, Chiang Chao-Shen suffered a sudden myocardial infarction while he was serving as deputy director of the National Palace Museum. The critical illness reminded him of the creative goals he had yet to fulfill, prompting his desire to move to the countryside. He bought land and built a house by Liyu Lake in Puli Township, Nantou County, and taking inspiration from a quote in Book XIV of The Analects: Act according to the circumstance, he named his studio Jie She-yuan, and moved in right after his retirement in 1991. Mountain and Lake and Autumn Scenery, with the auction Lot.312, were both masterpieces painted that very winter.
Compared to the fresh autumn atmosphere of Autumn Scenery, Mountain and Lake has more of a water theme. Amidst the clouds and mist, the towering mountain became very mystical. However, the slopes of the mountain do not appear steady or approachable. Majestic mountaintops stand proud and tall, each with steep, dangerous slopes covered by lush forests. In the forefront, the tall trees on the balcony are tall and straight, or slender and elegant, each with different characteristics. A house peeks out through the trees, exuding extraordinary flair. In the center, mountains stand tall, surrounded by clouds and mist. A waterfall tumbles down like white fabric, elegant and refined. In the distance, mountain tops form wild lines, grand and bright, showing the artist's grand spirit. The construction and layers of the painting is clear and complete. The artist used fluid brush strokes to depict a grand atmosphere, while certain places are left blank to add a mystic air to the towering mountains. The painting both retains the majestic style of the Northern Song Dynasty, while also being graceful, elegant, and self-assured.
