Ding Yanyong (Chinese, 1902-1978), the Eight Immortals Gathering, dated to a bingchen year, equivalent to 1976 丁衍庸（1902-1978）八仙聚會丙辰年 1976

Ink and color on paper
inscribed and dedicated to "Meilan Nvdi", and with one seal of the artist, along the left side, silk mounts; framed and glazed

H: 54 1/2 in.; W: 27 1/4 in. (image); H: 67 1/4 in; W: 35 3/4 in. (frame)

Property from an important American Collection

The subject of the Eight Immortals was particularly resonant with the artist, who revisited the theme in various compositions in the 1970s. For a comparable example, see the painting sold at Sotheby's, New York, March 16, 2017, lot 919. See also the paintings sold at Sotheby's New York, March 22, 2019, lot 1142, and the example sold at Christie's, Hong Kong, May 27, 2021, lot 1086.

Gift to the present owner from the artist, 1976

Property from an important American Collection

In 1975 and 1976, the collector, an American photographer, and her husband were working in Hong Kong on an artist’s grant and fellowship study respectively. They were introduced to Ding Yanyong by a friend and the American artist soon became a student of Ding, one of his first western pupils. Ding gave her the Chinese sobriquet “Meilan” or “Beautiful Orchid”, and this name appears as part of the dedication on many of the works Freeman’s are offering.

The collector and the artist became quite close, and Ding gave her many works, spanning a wide range of subjects, including mounted scrolls and more informal rapid studies of figures from Chinese religion, literature and folklore, birds and animals, and flower and plants. In the majority of these paintings, the personality of the artist, spontaneous, gregarious and with a sly sense of humor, is evident. These works typify Ding’s expressionist line and bold use of color which have appealed to collectors for decades, offering a rare opportunity to acquire works which have not been seen since the 1970s.

Paper slightly toned; paper and silk mount laid down on foam-core backing; approx 5" repaired tear from center lower right edge; scattered pressed creases; possible slight muting to colors; possible repaired horizontal tear or pressed crease to lower right edge about 5' long, another about 1.5" long at upper right edge; wear and scuffing to frame, back of lower right corner of frame damaged, not readily visible on display; some scratching to glare-resistant plexiglass in frame.

Dropbox Link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/x2p1jatujsc13a4/AAAFaSUxOUOY1av_EOpOx-5ha?dl=0
Wechat Link: https://share.weiyun.com/1lM7iS49

NOTE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Freeman's Conditions of Sale.

The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Freeman's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colors and shades which are different to the lot's actual color and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Freeman's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Freeman's. For that reason, Freeman's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Asian Arts

Ding Yanyong (Chinese, 1902-1978), the Eight Immortals Gathering, dated to a bingchen year, equivalent to 1976 丁衍庸（1902-1978）八仙聚會 丙辰年 1976

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup

Ding Yanyong (Chinese, 1902-1978), the Eight Immortals Gathering, dated to a bingchen year, equivalent to 1976 丁衍庸（1902-1978）八仙聚會丙辰年 1976