Artwork Description

Title:The Dragon and the Phoenix
Artist: Yanhui Zhang
Date: 2015
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 31.5 × 31.5 in (80 × 80 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
The Dragon and the Phoenix by Yanhui Zhang is an 80 × 80 cm oil painting that revisits the grandeur of traditional Chinese iconography. The work draws visual cues from antique craftsmanship—specifically, intricate black onyx carvings—translating these motifs into a painterly format. At its core, the composition is dominated by the intertwined forms of a dragon and phoenix, emblematic of imperial authority and cosmic balance, rendered with tactile precision and dramatic tonal contrasts.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Blending traditional symbolism with contemporary technique, Zhang’s approach demonstrates influences from both classical Chinese decorative arts and modern realist painting. The deep, lustrous blacks, coupled with subtle highlights and ornamental details, evoke the materiality of carved stone while maintaining the vitality of oil pigment. The artist’s fidelity to form and texture reveals a reverence for craftsmanship within a fine art context.

3. Historical Context
Created in 2015, the work underscores a trend in Chinese contemporary art that revisits historical aesthetics, infusing them with modern sensibilities. The dragon and phoenix, historically associated with imperial power and matrimonial harmony, carry cultural resonance as auspicious symbols, making this piece both visually striking and culturally significant.

4. Provenance and Authenticity
For full provenance details and a certificate of authenticity, please contact the gallery directly.

5. Condition and Conservation
The painting is in excellent condition. No signs of paint loss, surface abrasion, or prior restoration are observed. Brushwork retains its original depth and clarity.

6. Artistic Significance
This work stands as a dialogue between antique craftsmanship and contemporary oil painting, positioning Yanhui Zhang within a lineage of artists who bridge historical artistry with modern expression. Its conceptual depth and cultural symbolism make it a compelling acquisition for collectors of Chinese contemporary art.