Important CHEN CHI Original Signed 1959 Watercolor From Private Collection ~ Rowing in Central Park Start Price USD 15,000.00 Current Price USD 15,000.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, July 03, 2008 End Time Thursday, July 10, 2008 Location Boston Area See more about 'Important CHEN CHI Original Signed 1959 Watercolor' Description Important CHEN CHI Original Signed 1959 Watercolor This exquisite, original, signed watercolor by Chen Chi (1912 - 2005) has been in a private family collection for nearly 50 years.  This auction presents a rare opportunity for the astute collector. ProvenanceThe painting has been privately owned since soon after it was painted in 1959.  The owner's father, as a young man, came across Chen Chi working on this watercolor in Central Park, New York, and, after watching and meeting the artist, decided that he had to have the painting.  He purchased the painting from the Grand Central Art Galleries in New York, which had a number of Chen Chi works prior to its closure.  Over the years, Chen Chi's paintings gained international recognition, and the painting passed from father to son, the current owner.  Knowing the family, and sharing their appreciation for this gifted artist and his work, we are honored to have been asked to list this painting.   Authenticity, Specifications and Condition Guaranteed to be authentic, painting is signed and dated by Chen Chi in the lower left hand corner.  Painting bears his distinctive calligraphy and chop at the upper right.  Painting measures approximately 26" x 16" through the mat opening, and has not been removed from the frame.  The frame is wood, and measures 32" x 23".  Brown paper frame backing is torn in spots, having no effect on the artwork, which was mounted on masonite by the artist and is professionally matted under quality, acid-free mat board.  Painting is in excellent condition for its age.  Appears to us to be a faint, minor darkening at the far right upper edge, as shown in the auction photos.  About the Artist and This PaintingChen Chi was often inspired to paint Central Park scenes, and loved to paint there at different times of the year and in different light conditions.  Although a formal title for the painting could not be determined, the owner's family has always called the painting "Rowing in Central Park," which is descriptive of the subject matter and setting.  Notably, a sketch by Chen Chi of the rowboat that is in this painting is included in the artist's published book "Two or Three Lines", with the artist's notation "Rowing" (see photo of "Rowing" sketch from the book).  Painting evokes a sense of calm reflection and life in gradual motion.  The small blue rowboat appears to be viewed from high above as it glides across a textured sheet of sunlit water.  The boat is positioned amidst fluid folds of waves and reflection that lighten and smoothly merge with the creamy open area above.  The trees at the left are in bloom, with soft, blended tones of pink and mauve.  These contrast with the dark, beautifully detailed limbs and branches that belie Chi's lifelong practice and love of his calligraphry.  Chi achieved these spectacular effects using traditional Chinese brushes and special rice paper that he imported from China for his paintings.  His technique is described in a feature article in American Artist, Jan. 1972, “Chen Chi:  The Way of the Heart,” pp. 43:  "Since 1954 Chen Chi has been using Chinese rice paper almost exclusively for his watercolors. He finds rice papers more sensitive, more receptive to color than watercolor papers, absorbing the colors and therefore producing richer tones.  He also gets a greater feeling and depth from his brushstrokes."   Chi developed his own mounting process, involving pasting the work onto a piece of muslin, using ordinary flour paste to give the fine rice paper greater strength, and then pasting this onto a piece of Masonite, also using flour paste.Chen Chi received numerous awards and honors by some of the most prestigious arts organizations in the world, including in his native China, where a museum dedicated to his work was opened at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University.     Please review our terms of sale prior to placing a bid.  Local pickup in the Boston area can be arranged to save shipping costs.  All questions are welcome.   Thank you  Payment: Forms of Payment: All payments must be in U.S. currency. 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