Artwork Description

Title: Begonia Remains the Same
Artist: Lv Jiang
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 8.3 x 23.6 in (21 x 60 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
Begonia Remains the Same is a visually poetic and richly stylized fan-shaped painting by Lv Jiang, rendered in ink and watercolor on paper. The composition features a central female figure whose face is framed by blooming begonia flowers, jewel-like colors, and sweeping hair forms. Her expression is serene yet enigmatic, a portrait of feminine presence surrounded by opulent botanical and fruit motifs, executed in a palette of pastel yellows, pinks, purples, and aquamarines.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
This work embodies Lv Jiang’s distinctive fusion of traditional Chinese painting formats with expressive contemporary figuration. Drawing on elements of pop surrealism, Art Deco elegance, and gongbi linework, the painting transforms the fan into a stage for visual storytelling. The flattened space, stylized flora, and striking facial features suggest influences ranging from ancient Dunhuang murals to modern graphic design and fashion illustration.

3. Historical Context
Lv Jiang, born in 1975 in Nanjing and educated at Suzhou University and Nanjing Art College, has emerged as a provocative voice in contemporary Chinese ink painting. This work departs from his more overtly sensual Deep in the Flower series to focus on feminine identity, memory, and stillness. The Title:, Begonia Remains the Same, may evoke cultural themes of loyalty, inner strength, or continuity in transformation—qualities frequently associated with the begonia in Chinese poetic traditions.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The fan-shaped paper shows no visible signs of damage, discoloration, or repair. Pigments are bright and well-preserved, and the brushwork remains crisp and fluid. The seals and inscriptions are clear and undisturbed.

6. Artistic Significance
Begonia Remains the Same offers a refined and introspective counterpoint to Lv Jiang’s more erotic fan works. It demonstrates the artist’s range—not only in visual style but in emotional tone and cultural commentary. Merging classical symbolism with a modern visual lexicon, this piece stands as a quietly powerful meditation on beauty, identity, and resilience. It is a meaningful acquisition for collectors of contemporary Chinese ink art with an eye toward innovation and narrative depth.