Artwork Description

Title: Vase
Artist: Mo Xiong
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 27.6 x 53.9 in (70 x 137 cm)

Artwork Identification
Mo Xiong’s Vase is a radiant still life that brings together lush botanicals and everyday objects with expressive vibrancy. Executed in ink and watercolor on paper, the composition features three loosely defined vases brimming with flowers in shades of purple, white, and green. A small basket of oranges and a patterned porcelain cup introduce a touch of domestic charm, grounding the work in the tradition of still life while maintaining an airy spontaneity.

Artistic Style and Influences
Combining Eastern brushwork with Western color theory and compositional boldness, Mo Xiong evokes the impressionistic qualities of European modernism while retaining distinctly Chinese aesthetics. The energetic application of color—through washes, splatters, and layered linework—recalls the expressive dynamism of Post-Impressionist and Fauvist masters, yet the subject and symbolic attention to harmony and balance remain rooted in Chinese artistic traditions.

Historical Context
Created during China’s post-1980s art reform period, this work reflects a time when artists were encouraged to experiment with new methods and cross-cultural dialogue. Mo Xiong’s still life compositions represent this fusion, marrying the meditative tradition of Chinese painting with the spirited palette and informality of contemporary Western art.

Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The pigments remain vivid with no visible signs of fading or foxing. There is minor handling creasing at the edges consistent with the medium, but no tears, losses, or restoration are evident.

Artistic Significance
As a respected member of the China Artists Association and a professor at the Nanjing University of the Arts, Mo Xiong has had a profound influence on a generation of Chinese artists. Vase exemplifies his rare ability to breathe freshness into a traditional genre through technical fluency and an intuitive grasp of color and rhythm. Works like this affirm Mo Xiong's place in the canon of contemporary Chinese painters who successfully bridge tradition with innovation.