Artwork Description

Title: Vase
Artist: Mo Xiong
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 26.8 x 26.8 in (68 x 68 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
This vibrant ink and watercolor composition by Mo Xiong bursts with expressive energy, presenting a luxuriant floral arrangement rendered in a vivid palette of reds, purples, greens, and blues. Set in a delicately painted ceramic vessel, the bouquet radiates movement and texture, with splattered pigment and dynamic brushwork creating a sense of immediacy. The painting is a testament to Mo Xiong’s masterful control of color and his ability to merge traditional subjects with contemporary visual language.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Mo Xiong’s work embodies a compelling synthesis of traditional Chinese painting aesthetics and modernist abstraction. Rooted in the literati tradition yet unmistakably forward-looking, his brushstrokes oscillate between controlled linework and expressive gestures. The floral subject echoes classical themes of nature and vitality in Chinese art, while the treatment of color and space nods to Western impressionist and post-impressionist influences, giving his work a distinctive cross-cultural resonance.

3. Historical Context
Born in 1960, Mo Xiong emerged during a pivotal era of Chinese art history marked by post-Cultural Revolution introspection and a surge of artistic experimentation. His work reflects the broader movement of late 20th-century Chinese artists seeking to revive classical forms while engaging with global art discourses. In this context, his floral compositions become more than decorative—they are symbolic reflections of cultural continuity and personal expression during a time of transformation.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The pigments remain rich and luminous, with no apparent signs of paper wear, foxing, or discoloration. Framing and mounting (if applicable) appear stable and protective.

6. Artistic Significance
Mo Xiong is a celebrated figure in contemporary Chinese art, with works achieving significant results at auction, including a record-setting sale of Lotus at China Guardian Auctions in 2023. His art bridges the heritage of classical Chinese painting and the expressive possibilities of modern technique. This piece exemplifies that fusion, making it a compelling acquisition for collectors interested in the evolving dialogue between tradition and innovation in Chinese visual culture.