Hong Kong is set to host a significant art auction featuring a rare painting by the renowned Chinese artist Sanyu, titled “Horses on a Carpet.” The artwork, a highlight of Christie’s Hong Kong 20th and 21st Century Art series, will be offered for sale on March 27th and 28th, coinciding with the 40th anniversary celebration of Christie’s in Asia. A preview of key auction pieces, including Sanyu’s masterpiece, was held in Shanghai on March 8th.
“Horses on a Carpet,” created during the 1950s and 60s, is particularly noteworthy due to its rarity. According to recent research published in “Sanyu: The Complete Paintings,” the artist produced only 34 works featuring horses throughout his career. Of those, a mere nine depict equestrian subjects related to the circus. What elevates this piece further is its unique composition – a depiction of horses alongside a carpet adorned with symbols of longevity, prosperity, and happiness (Fu, Lu, and Shou). Remarkably, only two paintings by Sanyu featuring this specific arrangement are known to exist, with the other’s whereabouts currently unknown, making “Horses on a Carpet” the sole example of its kind available on the market.
A Legacy from the Lévy Family
The painting’s provenance adds to its allure. It originates from the collection of the Lévy family, close associates of Sanyu, who acquired the artwork directly from the artist. The family safeguarded the painting for decades, keeping it out of public view until now. During the 1950s and 60s, the Lévy family provided both practical and artistic support to Sanyu, even hosting his final solo exhibition before his death in December 1966 at their home in Montparnasse. This exhibition, a significant event in Sanyu’s career, brought together fellow artists like Pan Yuliang, Zao Wou-Ki, and Chu Teh-Chun.
Sanyu’s equine works have consistently garnered high interest in the art market. In 1932, his oil painting “Group of Horses” achieved a notable sale price, though the exact figure is not currently specified in available reports. Yangcheng Evening News reports that the upcoming auction is expected to draw significant attention from collectors worldwide.
Sanyu’s Artistic Journey and Style
Chang Yu, known in the West as Sanyu, was a prominent Chinese painter who spent much of his career in Paris. Born in Sichuan province, China, in 1901, he moved to Paris in 1928 to study at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière. He quickly became part of the vibrant artistic community of Montparnasse, befriending artists like Max Ernst and Pablo Picasso. Sanyu’s style is characterized by its simplicity, elegance, and a unique blend of Chinese and Western influences. He is known for his paintings of flowers, birds, and animals, as well as his still lifes and portraits.
His work often features bold lines, vibrant colors, and a sense of poetic melancholy. While he achieved recognition among his peers, Sanyu struggled financially throughout his life and remained relatively unknown to the wider public until after his death in 1966. In recent decades, his paintings have experienced a surge in popularity and value, establishing him as one of the most important Chinese artists of the 20th century.
Christie’s Hong Kong Auction Details
The Christie’s Hong Kong auction featuring “Horses on a Carpet” is part of a larger sale showcasing works by a diverse range of international artists, including Zao Wou-Ki, Yayoi Kusama, Pablo Picasso, and Claude Monet. The auction house is celebrating its 40th anniversary in Asia with this event, highlighting its commitment to the region’s art market. The pre-auction exhibition in Shanghai on March 8th provided art enthusiasts and potential buyers with an early opportunity to view the highlights of the sale.
The auction series is expected to attract a global audience of collectors and art enthusiasts. Christie’s has established itself as a leading auction house in Asia, with a strong track record of successful sales and a reputation for offering high-quality artworks. The inclusion of Sanyu’s “Horses on a Carpet” is expected to further enhance the auction’s appeal and draw significant bidding activity.
The Significance of the “Fu, Lu, Shou” Motif
The inclusion of the “Fu, Lu, Shou” (福禄寿) motif on the carpet in Sanyu’s painting is particularly significant. These three symbols represent fundamental aspects of a fine life in Chinese culture: happiness (Fu), prosperity (Lu), and longevity (Shou). They are often depicted as three immortal beings and are frequently featured in Chinese art and folklore. By incorporating these symbols into his painting, Sanyu adds a layer of cultural meaning and auspiciousness to the artwork, appealing to collectors who appreciate both its artistic merit and its symbolic value.
The rarity of this specific composition – horses depicted with a carpet bearing the “Fu, Lu, Shou” symbols – further enhances the painting’s desirability. The fact that the other known example of this composition is missing makes “Horses on a Carpet” a truly unique and irreplaceable piece of art history.
The upcoming auction presents a rare opportunity to acquire a masterpiece by one of China’s most celebrated artists. “Horses on a Carpet” is not only a visually stunning work of art but also a significant cultural artifact that reflects Sanyu’s artistic vision and his deep connection to Chinese traditions. The painting’s provenance, its rarity, and its symbolic meaning all contribute to its exceptional value and appeal.
Further details about the Christie’s Hong Kong 20th and 21st Century Art series, including the auction catalog and bidding information, can be found on the Christie’s website.
The auction is scheduled to take place on March 27th and 28th. Collectors and art enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in the bidding process and potentially acquire this exceptional work of art. The sale represents a significant event in the art world and is expected to generate considerable excitement and attention.
What are your thoughts on this upcoming auction? Share your comments below and let us realize if you plan to follow the bidding.