Artwork Description

Title: Figure
Artist: Li Zuwang
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 49 × 38 cm (19.3 × 15.0 in)

1. Artwork Identification
This expressive portrait by Li Zuwang features a woman rendered in flowing brushwork, captured in a moment of poised stillness. Her patterned sleeveless top and stylized pose contrast with the bold foliage behind her, adding a sense of vitality and rhythm to the composition.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Li Zuwang’s approach blends traditional Chinese ink techniques with a modern figurative style, infusing the portrait with warmth and personality. His simplified forms and confident linework reflect the influence of mid-20th-century Chinese figure painting, while the gestural brushstrokes and subtle washes create a sense of immediacy and character.

3. Historical Context
Portraiture in 20th-century Chinese art underwent a transformation, merging classical brush methods with contemporary subjects. This work likely emerges from a period when artists sought to depict everyday life with sincerity and innovation, contributing to the evolving language of Chinese modernism.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The paper is clean with no visible signs of discoloration, tears, or water damage. Ink and pigment remain clear and stable.

6. Artistic Significance
This piece exemplifies Li Zuwang’s humanistic approach to ink painting, celebrating individuality within a traditional framework. His ability to balance compositional clarity with emotional nuance makes Figure a resonant example of modern Chinese portraiture.