Artwork Description

Title:Yams

Artist
Yang Jing

Date
n.d.

Medium: Ink on Paper

Dimensions
16.5 x 15.7 in (42 x 40 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
In Yams, Yang Jing employs the simplicity of ink on paper to depict a cluster of five yam tubers in delicate linework. Rendered with poetic restraint and subtle tonal shifts, the composition is accompanied by an inscription and a red seal, grounding the work in literati tradition while showcasing the artist’s personal sensibility.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Yang Jing draws on the aesthetics of classical Chinese ink painting—where subject, brushwork, and calligraphy merge into a unified poetic expression. Her minimalist portrayal of everyday agricultural produce transforms humble subjects into visual metaphors for nourishment, perseverance, and the passage of time. The light ink wash and understated composition reflect the influence of Song and Yuan dynasty scholar-artists, yet her subject choice and linear delicacy evoke a modern lyrical sensibility.

3. Historical Context
The work is a contemporary echo of China's long-standing tradition of literati painting, wherein artists often celebrated the ordinary with reverence and subtlety. In the post-1980s Chinese art scene, many artists like Yang Jing began to reengage with traditional formats, embedding modern introspection and personal narratives into classical frameworks.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition, with no signs of foxing, discoloration, or paper damage. Ink tones remain stable and the paper surface is well-preserved.

6. Artistic Significance
Yams exemplifies Yang Jing’s refined and contemplative approach to ink painting. By choosing a modest yet symbolically rich subject, the artist aligns with the classical literati ethos while contributing a distinctly modern voice. Her work offers a quiet elegance and invites viewers to find beauty in the understated and the essential, reaffirming ink painting's enduring resonance in contemporary Chinese art.