Lot #21: Chinese ink and wash painting of red plum blossoms by Xue Bei

Chinese ink and wash painting of red plum blossoms by Xue Bei This beautiful framed painting, "The fragrance of plum blossoms comes from the bitter cold" by Xue Bei, created in 1979, measures 26.5x35.5 This phrase is a metaphor for perseverance and resilience. It means that true success or beauty (like the plum blossom's scent) is achieved only after enduring hardship and struggle (the bitter cold of winter). It is the second half of a well-known couplet from the "Mirror of Wisdom" (Jing Shi Xian Wen), a collection of proverbs from the Ming Dynasty. The full couplet is: 宝剑锋从磨砺出 (The sharp edge of a sword comes from grinding), 梅花香自苦寒来 (The fragrance of plum blossoms comes from the bitter cold) The painting is characterized by its use of expressive brushwork for the dark, rugged branches and vibrant red washes for the blossoms. This style is consistent with 20th-century Chinese masters who sought to capture the resilient spirit of the plum blossom, which blooms in late winter as a symbol of perseverance and hope The Artist The artist is Xu Bei (徐北), as indicated by the red seal and signature colophon. Signature: The calligraphy reads "写于雪北" (Xiě yú Xuě Běi), which translates to "Painted by Xu Bei." In traditional Chinese art, "Xuě Běi" refers to the artist's name or art name (hao). The Seal: The red square seal is a personal "name seal" (míngzhāng). It is carved in ancient seal script and acts as the artist's formal authentication, much like a modern legal signature Context of the Work Xu Bei was an active painter during the late 20th century. This particular piece, dated to the year 1979 (Jǐwèi nián), belongs to the post-Cultural Revolution period when traditional subjects like the plum blossom saw a major artistic revival. The style aligns with the expressive, bold brushwork seen in masters of that era who specialized in the "Three Friends of Winter" (pine, bamboo, and plum). Final Verdict Artist: Xue Bei (雪北). This is a pseudonym (Hao). While he is not a globally famous master, he was clearly a very skilled professional active during the artistic revival of the late 1970s. Historical Context: Being painted in 1979 makes this a "late modern" work. This was a significant era in Chinese art history when traditional styles returned to favor after the Cultural Revolution. Dimensions: 26.5x35.5 Pickup category timeslot {A}