Printmaking
Willing Ox
by Li Keran · shuzhou,jiangshu$1,690
In stock
MaterialInk on xuan paper, mounted on silkscroll
Dimensions50 x 33 cm
Year1988
EditionUnique work
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Artist-estate Certificate of Authenticity, hand-numbered in pencil at the point of pulling.
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The Story
Created in Li Keran’s late career (1970s–1980s), The Obedient Ox is a signature work from his iconic ox-herding series, embodying his lifelong "learning from the ox" philosophy and reflecting the pastoral spirit of modern Chinese ink painting. Li Keran was one of the most important modern Chinese ink wash painters, famous for his landscapes and pastoral ox paintings. Li Keran’s The Obedient Ox showcases his masterful freehand ink-wash technique, using bold, layered brushstrokes to render the buffalo’s sturdiness and the herdboy’s innocence with vivid, minimalist charm.Its standout highlight is the harmonious balance between expressive ink rendering and calligraphic inscriptions, perfectly embodying the essence of traditional Chinese literati painting. 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
Li Keran’s The Obedient Ox exemplifies consummate traditional Chinese ink-wash craft, with bold, calligraphic brushstrokes and nuanced ink tones that vividly render the buffalo’s sturdiness and the herdboy’s innocence.Rooted in classical Chinese literati aesthetics, the work embodies the philosophy of "valuing spirit over form" and the harmony between humans and nature, distilling the timeless charm of pastoral life.
About the Artist
Li Keran
shuzhou,jiangshu
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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