Artwork Description

Title: Sunbathing

Artist Lv Jiang

Date 2017

Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper

Dimensions 26 × 67 cm (10.2 × 26.4 in)

1. Artwork Identification
Sunbathing is a fan‐shaped ink and watercolor composition depicting a reclining female figure in a moment of serene repose. Executed on delicate xuan paper, the work measures 26 × 67 cm (10.2 × 26.4 in) and features soft washes of teal‐blue pigment, punctuated by accents of pink and gold flecks. The figure’s languid posture and the rhythmic patterns of the drapery and florals showcase Lv Jiang’s deft control of line and wash.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Lv Jiang synthesizes traditional Chinese fan painting and literati‐style brushwork with contemporary figuration. The tonalities recall Song‐Ming dynasty fan‐leaf landscapes, while the languorous female subject evokes modern fashion illustration and Art Nouveau’s sinuous forms. The restrained palette and fluid outlines reflect a personal visual vocabulary that bridges East and West.

3. Historical Context
Created in 2017, during a resurgence of interest in small‐format fan paintings among Chinese contemporary artists, Sunbathing engages the centuries‐old tradition of painting on fan leaves. At a time when urbanization has prompted renewed reflection on leisure and space, Lv Jiang’s intimate portrayal of rest underscores shifting conceptions of private and public realms in twenty‐first‐century China.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon request.

5. Condition and Conservation
The piece is in excellent condition. The paper remains supple without foxing or tears; pigments retain their original vibrancy. No conservation treatment is currently necessary, though framing under UV-filter glazing is recommended to prevent long-term light damage.

6. Artistic Significance
Sunbathing represents a key moment in Lv Jiang’s exploration of hybrid forms—melding classical fan‐leaf formats with contemporary figuration. Critics note that his fan paintings “reinvigorate an ancient Medium: with modern sensibilities,” and this work exemplifies his mastery of balance between tradition and innovation. It highlights the artist’s continued influence as a bridge between academic ink painting and the evolving language of Chinese contemporary art.