Vase
Mo Xiong
Artwork Details
Artwork Description
Title: Vase
Artist: Mo Xiong
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 26.8 x 53.5 in (68 × 136 cm)
1. Artwork Identification
This vibrant horizontal composition Title:d Vase by Mo Xiong unfolds like a blooming tapestry. Lush vegetation and sprays of color burst outward from a central, unseen vessel, revealing lively florals and birds amidst abstract, energetic ink lines. The bouquet swells across the paper with a rhythmic interplay of density and openness, anchored by loosely defined rock forms that ground the otherwise ethereal structure.
2. Artistic Style and Influences
Mo Xiong’s work embodies a bold fusion of traditional Chinese guohua techniques and expressive, Western-style abstraction. In Vase, he utilizes dynamic splashes and layered color washes—violets, aquas, greens, and yellows—conveying movement and exuberance. The inclusion of birds and botanical elements aligns with classical Chinese symbolism of harmony and prosperity, but the aesthetic is unmistakably contemporary in its immediacy and energy.
3. Historical Context
Painted during an era of great transformation in Chinese contemporary art, Mo Xiong’s Vase reflects the broadening of aesthetic boundaries post-1980s. Artists like Mo, who trained at institutions such as the Nanjing University of the Arts, contributed to redefining ink painting beyond its literati roots, infusing it with new perspectives, spontaneity, and cross-cultural experimentation.
4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.
5. Condition and Conservation
The painting is in very good condition. The pigments are stable and fresh, and the paper surface remains clean with no visible tears or water damage. Light creasing from handling may be present along the edges, typical of large-format works on paper, but it does not detract from the visual impact. Conservation framing is recommended for preservation and optimal display.
6. Artistic Significance
This version of Vase exemplifies Mo Xiong’s philosophy of “freedom in tradition.” His compositions celebrate nature’s vitality while inviting viewers to contemplate the balance between spontaneity and intention. As both a seasoned educator and a nationally recognized artist, Mo Xiong continues to inspire through works like this—rich in color, spirit, and cultural continuity.