Artwork Description

Title: Figure
Artist: Yu Ming
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 68 × 68 cm (26.8 × 26.8 in)

1. Artwork Identification
This whimsical ink and color composition by Yu Ming features a charming group of women portrayed in vibrant attire, accompanied by a playful cat at their feet. Their exaggerated features and flowing garments lend a sense of joy and theatrical rhythm to the piece, capturing a lively moment in communal interaction.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Yu Ming’s distinctive caricature style combines elements of traditional Chinese figure painting with a modern narrative flair. Bold lines, decorative patterns, and expressive postures infuse the composition with humor and warmth, reflecting a folk-art sensibility that emphasizes storytelling and emotional connection.

3. Historical Context
Figurative scenes such as this gained popularity in 20th-century Chinese painting as artists increasingly turned to everyday life and social gatherings as subjects. This work celebrates cultural traditions and the collective female experience, interpreted through Yu Ming’s contemporary lens.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The colors remain vivid, with no visible signs of foxing or damage. The paper is well-preserved with minor natural creasing.

6. Artistic Significance
Yu Ming’s work stands out for its lighthearted tone and engaging figuration, offering a refreshing take on group portraiture. Figure is a testament to the artist’s ability to balance cultural homage with a sense of individuality, humor, and painterly charm.