Printmaking
Deep in the Dense Shade
by Li Keran · Xuzhou, Jiangsu$499
$699
In stock
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The Story
Painted in 1979, Deep in the Dense Shade is a signature work from Li Keran’s beloved “ox-herding” series, a lifelong subject he explored to celebrate rural simplicity and the spirit of resilience embodied by the water buffalo. Li Keran was a pioneering 20th-century Chinese ink painter, celebrated for revolutionizing traditional landscape painting with his bold use of light and shadow and iconic "ox-herding" series.A lifelong advocate for "learning from nature" and "learning from the ox," he dedicated his career to bridging classical Chinese art with modern expression, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary Chinese painting. Deep in the Dense Shade is a classic work from his iconic Herd Boy and Ox series, using layered ink wash to render a lush summer canopy, with a vivid contrast between the dark foliage, the tranquil water buffalo, and the playful herdboy. This piece is from a private collection in Hong Kong and comes with a collection certificate stamped by a Hong Kong auction house.
Craft & Process
Deep in the Dense Shade exemplifies Li Keran’s signature craftsmanship, using bold, heavy ink strokes to build depth and contrast, while delicate linework brings the buffalo and herdboy to life with vivid charm. The painting honors the core traditions of Chinese ink wash, prioritizing spiritual resonance over literal detail, and distilling the essence of rural tranquility into a work of enduring aesthetic beauty.
About the Artist
Li Keran
Xuzhou, Jiangsu
Li Keran (1907–1989) was a great modern Chinese landscape painter. He reformed traditional landscape painting and created a bold, distinctive new style.
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