English – 雅必居

Zhu Jia Jiao by Wu Guanzhong

Original ink painting by Chinese contemporary artist Wu Guan Zhong, purchased in Singapore during the 1980s. Painting is autographed by the artist.

吴冠中水墨画作品《朱家角》

Original Ink Painting by Wu Guan Zhong – Zhu Jia Jiao

Size: 43cm x 34cm
Seals: 冠中写生 (“Guanzhong sketches”) and 荼 (“Scribble”)
Dated: 1983

This painting was purchased from Loong Hua Arts & Crafts Pte Ltd during the 1980s.

In 1988, Chinese painter Wu Guanzhong held his first art exhibition in Singapore, we were in attendance and requested the artist to autograph this painting. In order to preserve the front of the artwork, we asked for his autograph on the reverse side, and he readily obliged.

Other than his signature and the date, he also wrote a few words, which translates from Chinese to “Happy to see (my) old work”.

This is an original painting and not a limited edition print.

Literature:
Wu Guanzhong Art Collection, p.36 Rong Bao Zhai, June 1987 First Edition

Ming Dynasty Gu Qin by Zhang Jing Xiu

Rare Ming Dynasty Gu Qin made by luthier Zhang Jing Xiu, dated 1648. This black lacquered Gu Qin has inscriptions carved within its body, visible through the “Dragon Pool” which shows the year this Qin was made, for whom the instrument was crafted, and also the maker’s name.

Zhang Jing Xiu (张敬修) was an acclaimed instrument maker even during his time, as recorded in the book Reminiscences in Dreams of Tao An. This black lacquered Gu Qin has inscriptions carved within its body, visible through the “Dragon Pool” which shows the year this qin was made, for whom the instrument was crafted, and also the maker’s name. 继续阅读“Ming Dynasty Gu Qin by Zhang Jing Xiu”

Agarwood

When purchasing quality agarwood, it is important to burn a small sample to test its fragrance. This is due in part to the premium prices charged on select agarwood, and also to ensure satisfaction with your purchase.

In the past, agarwood was mainly used for incense appreciation (香道, Kōdō, “Way of Incense” ), and in traditional medicine. Nowadays, good quality agarwood is also fast becoming a collector’s item.

In the wild, naturally growing species of agarwood can take decades to achieve its unique aromatic properties. Coupled with an increasing demand and over-harvesting, it is no wonder that wild agarwood has become somewhat of a rarity. That scarcity drives value is a time-honored maxim, and thus agarwood piques the interest of many people, especially collectors.

It is difficult to come across quality agarwood now because the bulk of them have been stashed away by Kōdō enthusiasts in Japan, with the remaining mostly in the hands of collectors from Southeast Asia, China and Taiwan.

Chinese Seal Stones – a brief introduction

The Chinese people have been using seal stones for a very long time. They can be used to authenticate paintings and artworks. The most well known seal stones are from Shou-Shan, Qing-Tian, Ba-Lin and Chang-Hua.

The use of seal stones dates back to antiquity, so too the collecting of such stones. Shoushan (寿山), Qingtian (青田), Jixue (鸡血 a.k.a. Chicken-blood) and Baling (巴林) stones have always been favoured by Chinese artists. Since ancient times, the Chinese literati have been using these stones for carving seals, which are then used to stamp on various artworks. Not only do such seals compliment the artworks, they are also frequently used to authenticate the genuineness and value of the art pieces.

Most Chinese artists would possess more than several seal-stones. Renowned Chinese painter Qi Baishi (齐白石), the self-proclaimed “Lord of 300 Stones”, is but one example which has seeped into folklore within the Chinese art community. 继续阅读“Chinese Seal Stones – a brief introduction”