Artwork Description

Title:Shou Wang

Artist
Jiang Hui

Date
n.d.

Medium:
Glazed Porcelain Sculpture

Dimensions
Dimensions not specified

1. Artwork Identification
Shou Wang is a refined porcelain sculpture by contemporary Chinese artist Jiang Hui, presenting a stylized, abstracted figure of a seated animal—likely a canine or guardian-like creature. The form is elegantly elongated and fluid, with its head gently raised and tail-like folds cascading downward in sculptural ripples. Executed in high-gloss black glaze with subtle olive undertones, the sculpture rests on a minimalist pedestal, heightening its solemn and meditative presence. The Title:, which can be interpreted as "Watch" or "Guard," evokes themes of protection and vigilance.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Jiang Hui’s artistic vocabulary merges the clarity of modern abstraction with traditional Chinese craftsmanship. The simplified lines and curvilinear flow of Shou Wang recall Art Deco sensibilities while also resonating with the spiritual symbolism found in ancient Chinese ceramic guardian figures. The result is an object that straddles decorative and contemplative realms, projecting both serenity and quiet strength. Its monochromatic glaze underscores the work’s minimalist elegance and sculptural purity.

3. Historical Context
Porcelain has been central to Chinese art for centuries, revered both for its material beauty and technical difficulty. In the contemporary period, artists like Jiang Hui re-engage with this heritage, reinterpreting traditional ceramic traditions through modern lenses. Shou Wang continues this dialogue, embedding historic reverence for guardianship and protection into a sleek, contemporary form — symbolic of a society negotiating its past while embracing innovation.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The work is in very good condition, with no visible chips, cracks, or glazing irregularities. The surface finish is intact and uniform, with no restoration observed. It is presented securely mounted on a display base, suitable for exhibition or interior presentation.

6. Artistic Significance
Shou Wang represents the subtle elegance and conceptual depth of Jiang Hui’s sculptural practice. In this work, ancient symbolic forms are revitalized with a minimalist ethos that resonates with both contemporary collectors and traditional connoisseurs. The sculpture’s fusion of form, material, and meaning offers a compelling example of how porcelain continues to serve as a vital Medium: for expression in China’s evolving art landscape.