Is this artwork authentic?

Yes. Every artwork sold by Kiln & Ink comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Xu Beihong. We guarantee the authenticity of every piece we sell, with a full refund if any claim is upheld within 12 months of purchase.

Can I return this artwork?

We accept returns within 14 days of delivery for items in original, undamaged condition with all original packaging and certificates included. Auction purchases and custom commissions are non-returnable.

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All artworks are professionally packed using museum-grade materials and fully insured for their declared value during transit. We ship worldwide. International shipments may be subject to import duties in your country.

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Printmaking

Boar

Name: Boar
Brand: Xu Beihong
SKU: xu-beihong-boar
Price: 499 USD
Availability: InStock

by Xu Beihong · Yixing, Jiangsu

$499

$599

In stock

MaterialInk on xuan paper, mounted on silkscroll

Dimensions33 x 30 cm

Year1945

EditionUnique work

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Authenticity Guaranteed

Artist-estate Certificate of Authenticity, hand-numbered in pencil at the point of pulling.

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Free written provenance confirmation on request — for resale, insurance, donation, or independent appraisal, in perpetuity.

Worldwide Express Shipping

Free over $500. Acid-free archival tissue, rigid tube, fully insured.

14-Day Returns

Easy returns on undamaged works in original packaging.

The Story

This work is the final piece in Xu Beihong’s iconic Twelve Chinese Zodiac Animals series, created in 1945. Xu, a master of blending Western realism with Eastern ink art, painted each zodiac animal to reflect its cultural symbolism and the spirit of the times. The pig, the last zodiac sign, is a symbol of abundance, happiness, and prosperity in Chinese culture. Xu uses soft, muted ink washes to render the pig’s rounded form and gentle lines to capture its calm, grounded posture. The simple, light background keeps focus on the animal, highlighting its quiet and unassuming nature. For Xu, the pig represented the hope for a life of peace and plenty after hardship, a fitting end to his zodiac series. He once said that the pig reminds us to cherish simple joys and find contentment in the present. Today, this painting remains a beloved example of his mastery, blending art, culture, and the spirit of his time into one vivid image.

Craft & Process

Combining soft ink washes and delicate lines, the work captures the pig’s gentle form. It blends traditional Chinese brush techniques with subtle realism, aiming to convey the symbolic virtues of prosperity and contentment.