The two characters written here—han (寒) and shan (山)—represent the name of poet Hanshan, a mysterious hermit said to have written a collection of poems from the Tang Dynasty. Having been translated into English in the 1950s, Hanshan’s poems served as an inspiration for the Beat Generation writers and artists such as Brice Marden. By writing Hanshan, Wang Fangyu may have been reflecting upon his own experience of growing up in Republican Era China and migrating to the United States in the 1940s, as well as his role of connecting Chinese and American culture.
Wang Fangyu uses seals in a creative manner in Hanshan. Instead of depicting Chinese characters, the two seals show ideograms that represent the artist’s first name Fangyu (方宇). Featuring the same pattern with opposite color schemes, the two seals constitute a key element of the dynamic composition.
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 are two faint soiling to the upper left quadrant.
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