Fung sees calligraphy as a spatial-temporal continuum demarcated by the beginning of the first stroke of the first word and the last stroke of the last word. This temporal-spatial construct of calligraphy finds its visual expression in the written characters as well as in the space between the lines. Based on this re-conceptualization of calligraphic space, Fung has invented more than one hundred scripts, all featuring distinct techniques and styles.
In his Section Script, Fung Ming Chip has first written down the characters in light ink, after which he has painted one end of the xuan paper black. The white ground of this piece is both the background for calligraphy as well as part of an abstract composition. Fung painted the top part of this piece while the ink of the written characters was still wet. The painted ink was only partially absorbed in places where the water of the written characters had saturated the paper. When the ink dried up, the characters came to appear as if they were floating atop a dark background. This contrasts with the white space below, where the characters written in light ink hover between emergence and disappearance.
At the center of the work, Fung Ming Chip has positioned a red seal that indicates the name of his studio. Seals are common in Chinese art; they usually appear at the periphery of artworks as a way to mark artists’ or owners’ names. Unlike in traditional practice, Fung often includes a seal as an integral—even central—part of the whole composition. The red color and triangular shape of the seal stand out from the subdued background. The white ground wavers between relief-like calligraphic space, as part of an abstract painting as well as serving as the background for the red triangular shape.
Curated by Fu Qiumeng Fine Art
Related Articles
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The work is mounted on scroll. There is a minute surface irregularity to the lower left edge.
Print Report
Cost calculator
Enter your bid amount for an estimated cost
Bid amount
Please enter numbers onlyAmount must be higher than the starting bidAmount must be higher than the current bid