Apr 19, 2021

Sotheby's

b.1938 Taichi Series - Turn Stomp wood incised with the artist's signature in Chinese and dated 92 45.3 by 34.1 by 55.3 cm; 17 ⅞ by 13 ⅜ by 21 ¾ in. This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Nonprofit Organization Juming Culture and Education Foundation ---------------------------------------------- 朱銘 b.1938 太極系列 - 轉身蹬腿 木雕 一九九二年作 款識 朱銘 92（底部） 45.3 x 34.1 x 55.3 cm; 17 ⅞ by 13 ⅜ by 21 ¾ in. 附：財團法人朱銘文教基金會開立之作品鑑定報告書

Apr 19, 2021

Sotheby's

b.1938 Taichi Series - Single Whip wood incised with the artist signature and dated 82 35 by 47 by 46 cm; 13 ¾ by 18 ½ by 18 ⅛ in. This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Kalos Gallery ---------------------------------------------- 朱銘 b.1938 太極系列 - 單鞭下勢 木雕 一九八二年作 款識 朱銘 82（底部） 35 x 47 x 46 cm; 13 ¾ x 18 ½ x 18 ⅛ in. 附：真善美畫廊開立之作品保證書

Apr 19, 2021

Sotheby's

b.1938 Buffalos wood incised with the artist's signature and dated 78 49 by 20 by 20.5 cm; 19 ¼ by 7 ⅞ by 8 ⅛ in. This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Nonprofit Organization Juming Culture and Education Foundation ---------------------------------------------- 朱銘 b.1938 水牛 木雕 一九七八年作 款識 朱銘 78（背面） 49 x 20 x 20.5 cm; 19 ¼ x 7 ⅞ x 8 ⅛ in. 附：財團法人朱銘文教基金會開立之作品鑑定報告書

Apr 18, 2021

Sotheby's

Property from an Important Private Asian Collection b.1938 Taichi series (2 works) wood  L: incised with the artist's signature in Chinese and dated 94 on the lower right  R: incised with the artist's signature in Chinese and dated 94 on the lower right  L: 18 by 20.6 by 37.1 cm; 7 by 8 ⅛ by 14 ⅝ in. R: 31.9 by 18.6 by 36.5 cm; 12 ½ by 7 ⅜ by 14 ⅜ in. This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Nonprofit Organization Juming Culture and Education Foundation ---------------------------------------------- 亞洲重要私人收藏 朱銘 b.1938 太極系列（兩件） 木雕 一九九四年作 款識 左：朱銘 94（右下） 右：朱銘 94（右下） 左：18 x 20.6 x 37.1 cm; 7 x 8 ⅛ x 14 ⅝ in. 右：31.9 x 18.6 x 36.5 cm; 12 ½ x 7 ⅜ x 14 ⅜ in. 附：財團法人朱銘文教基金會開立之作品鑑定報告書

Dec 5, 2020

China Guardian

Signed in Chinese, edition 15/20, dated 1995 (bottom) REMARKThis work is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signedby the artist himself in 2012The item is held under the bonded status, please check the NOTICE ON AUCTION OF BONDED LOTS in this catalogue for details.

Oct 8, 2020

China Guardian

Signed in Chinese, numbered and dated on each bottom of backside PROVENANCEJun Youn Sculpture Gallery, TaipeiImportant Private Collection, AsiaThis work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist and issued by Taipei Jun Youn Sculpture GalleryIn Between Tension and Ease Resides Grand MomentumThe Continuous Vitality within Tai Chi CombatThe Taichi series represents the highest artistic achievement of Ju Ming, who has grasped the subtlety and spirit of Tai Chi by practicing and understanding. Through the strength and movement of his gravers, Ju Ming incorporated the Asian philosophy of the martial art into his sculptures and blended traditional and modern aesthetics, which gained him worldwide recognition. The turning point of his Taichi series is a ground-breaking transition from “single-player moves” to “double-player combat”. The figures in combat often appear with one attacking and the other defending, between which the confrontation couples hardness and softness and bears the momentum at the critical state of movement. In this way, the series fully demonstrates the Taoist philosophy of “Yin and Yang” and “Coherent Qi,” bringing out the continuous vitality contained in Tai Chi.The work presented in this auction, Taichi Series-Boxing, which was made in the 1990s at the height of Ju's career, is a vivid example of the artist's viewpoints on Tai Chi. The combat works created during this period are regarded as a progressive achievement of the artist, being sought after by collectors together with works like Single Whip. With a plump shape and incredible grandeur, the sculpture thoroughly elaborates on the concept of duality and is a work not to miss.Vigorous as High Wind. Steady as Mount Tai.The essence of Tai Chi combat lies in the confrontation between the two martial art players, coupling tension and ease, softness and hardness, as the Yin and Yang revolving around each other. Ju Ming embodies “vigor” and “steadiness,” the two major characteristics of Tai Chi, into the sculpture. The figure on the left is informed by tension. He appears a transient attacking posture, with both hands stretching forward, while one foot stepping front and the other pushing back powerfully. The opponent seems calm and steady with his center of gravity sinking low, one hand pulling back and the other hand charged with strength. The philosophy of “use softness to resist violent force” is thus visualized.As Duality Engenders Mutual Growth, the Cycle of Vitality Continues.With a rhythmic outline, Ju Ming elaborately brings out the invisible momentum of the warrior on the left. The figure's legs are in a full lunge, while the arms stretch forward along the direction of the straightened leg, presenting a sense of speed, as well as the strength in his legs. The opponent is shaped out of multi-faceted and large blocks. Through his balanced posture and footwork, an imposing manner that no one can resist is revealed. The two figures confronting each other resemble the polarizing forces that grow mutually. Their limbs form a point-to-point correlation of checks and balances, which turns into a flow of Qi and generates the source of vitality in the virtual space. The work thus fully embodies the concept of duality, which represents the essence of Tai Chi. Beneath the bold structure showing both speed and power, an infinite cycle of movement and interaction is vigorously thriving.

Oct 8, 2020

China Guardian

Edition: 1/8 (left); 2/8 (right) Signed in Chinese, dated and numbered on each bottom of backside PROVENANCEPrivate Collection, Europe23 Nov 2013, Christie's Hong Kong Autumn Auction, Lot 42Important Private Collection, AsiaThis work is accompanied by a certification of authenticity issued by Nonprofit Organization Juming Culture and Education FoundationSky Rocking and Groundbreaking, to the Realm of InfinityJu Ming's Dual Sculpture Ever Presented in Auction History“When my hands move with my heart, I completely forget myself, no burden, no boundaries. The real me emerges and my potentials are naturally revealed”——Ju MingZhuang Zi said: “The spirit of Tao is before Taichi….” The term Taichi originally refers to the state of infinite space. Later, The Book of Changes has defined Taichi as the initial stage of all things. From Taichi comes the two elements, hence Yin and Yang, and the intertwined relationship between the dynamic and the static. Based on his own experience learning the martial art of Taichi, the progression from a single move to a two-person confrontation and interaction, Ju Ming has internalized the spirit of infinite and abundance in his own bronze sculptures.Coveted Collections: Unprecedented in StatureWith the improvement of bronze remolding technology, Ju Ming has gradually expanded his creative apparatus in terms of scale. From the 1980s to the mid1990s, he held solo exhibitions in New York Max Hutchinson's Sculpture Fields, Hong Kong Exchange Square, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and Hakone Sculpture Open Air Museum in Japan. All the works in the exhibitions were grand in stature and have demonstrated tremendous confidence of the artist, which has made Ju Ming an important figure in the Chinese art history.We are honored to present the masterpiece of Ju Ming's classic two person sets in Taichi, Taichi Series: Cloud Hands, Stomp, the largest bronze sculptures in auction history. These sculptures are a crystallization of Ju Ming's elaborate explanation of the Taichi principles and an embodiment of the artist's ambition to influence the world with his artworks. If placed in an outdoor setting, viewers will be able to perceive the staggering height (253 cm) of the Cloud Hands on the left, as if a Taichi master was integrated into the universe. The Stomp piece on the right (203 cm), further explores the majestic power of the dynamic balance, combining the thick materiality of bronze with the rhythm of the stature.Although Ju Ming has created a large collection of artworks, there are only a few large size bronze sculptures, and even fewer went to auction. Ju only has 12 pieces that are over 250 cm in height and the two-person fighting set is a rare theme. Ju's largest two person fighting set sculpture (270 cm) was exhibited in his solo exhibition at the Hakone Open Air Museum in Japan. The Taichi Series: Stomp is arguably Ju Ming's second largest bronze sculpture and it is a rare and exquisite pair of pieces.The Shape of Taichi: Generative Power of Penetration“Ju Ming does not just mold, but engraves his bronze sculptures. He is more interested in creating texture and employing boneless method to express the materiality of mountain.”——Johnson ChangThis work highlights the aesthetics of Ju Ming's sculpture in large stature, and his engraving skill has morphed into the brushstrokes and the rhythm of boneless painting method, which embodies the Taichi's energy and spirit. The shape of Cloud Hands is concise: the straight cuts of the legs form four squares and the cliff-like lines are straight down. Both have demonstrated his mastery of engraving skills. The cloud hands posture is rich in overlapping lines: the left arm delivers steady strength in a straight line and the right arm intersects with multiple triangles and irregular blocks, adding a sense of liveliness, exhibiting the lightness, heaviness, slowness and swiftness of calligraphy skillfulness and the hidden potential underneath the calm appearance.Taichi Series: Stomp reveals the dual strength of calmness and vigor. Viewing from the front, the audience can see the bright lines and the lively posture. Ju Ming has done a marvelous job capturing the moment of attack from the kick. The protagonist stands on the right foot alone, keeping a straight line from the head to the body and the leg. Driven by the body to swing and kick, the left leg is full of momentum and energy. The two hands form superb harmony in the moving dynamic: the right hand hangs down to maintain balance, and the left hand swings naturally to the center to connect the whole body. The straight and neat lines echo the lower body that is as steady as Mountain Tai, consolidating the dynamics into the moment. Viewing from behind, the audience will discover that the stability and the calmness of the figure builds on speed and power. Different from the mellowness of Cloud Hands, Stomp consists of an arched pattern with twists and turns of lines, a pair of master pieces of unforgettable momentum of strength.Form into the Spirit: the Aura of a MasterIn the form of two-person confrontation, the sculptures form a moving-static momentum of Taichi martial art. Stomp is after speed and attacking. Cloud Hands strikes a balance between slowness and swiftness, calmness with movement, which harmonizes the body. When the two are juxtaposed, the viewers are able to appreciate the dynamics and the statics, rigidity in softness. The undulating line and surfaces are both distinctive relativities and harmonious symbiosis, which fits into Taichi's profound exposition on dualism. Although large in scale, the artist confidently works with the magnificent form, making a pair of moving pieces of artwork, molding the sculptural language of image into spirit. It is a crystallization of Ju Ming's Taichi wisdom and artistic talent, a pair of rare and exquisite pieces.

Oct 8, 2020

China Guardian

Right: Signed in Chinese, numbered and dated on the bottom of backside PROVENANCEHanart Gallery, TaipeiGalerie Loft, Hong KongAcquired directly by the present European collector from the aboveThis work is accompanied with a purchase invoice issued by Galerie Loft, Hong KongCarve the Taichi Universe, Integrate the Human Living WorldThe Source Idea of Ju Ming's SculptureLooking through Ju Ming's creations, we can see that in the well known and complimented Taichi Series, and the latest Living World Series, even the earlier Nativist Series, “Humanity” is always the starting point of his creation. He expresses his appreciation of “Nature-Human Integration” in the Taichi sculptures, and also mimics the variation and possibilities of people in the Living World Series, seeking the interaction between human and the universe.Ju was pretty productive in the 90s, and the time saw his varied attempts in topic selection and material choice. Taichi Series shares the idea “Free in Form”, including the Single Whip that makes him famous, Boxing, and the Taichi Arch that presents the Yin-Yang interaction and the nature of Taichi. While the Living World Series is based on the modern painted carving, which brings free souls to life and indicates that his understanding on “Humanity” has reached a higher philosophical achievement.Though Ju's topic and style has been changing, his pursuit on capturing the big picture of “Humanity” is always existing. At this auction, we bring six works of Ju Ming created in the 90s. With these Taichi Series and Living World Series, we can understand Ju's aesthetics in creating and philosophy of life.Carve the Shape and Idea, Spiritual Connection Between Human and the Universe“Taichi is the best example of 'Nature-Human Integration'…Yet my wood carving has been seeking a passage for 'human-nature communication'.”——Ju MingSingle Whip is a peak of Ju's creation. For years, different versions of it has been exhibited in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, England; The Hakone Open-Air Museum, Japan; Paris Place Vendome, France; Exchange Square, Central, Hong Kong; Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong; and some other places. Taichi Series —— Single Whip (Lot 56) completed in 1993 is a mature work of him. The extraordinary work holds vital energy in the triangular balance, and the natural texture echoes the idea of “return to simplicity”. The fact that wooden sculpture is unable to be copied makes the work even more precious and a top choice for the collection of Ju's works.The essence of Taichi Series is the “Human-Nature Integration”. Therefore, in the selection of material, Ju tried his best to find the wood with the idealist texture. The texture and the essence of the work are in perfect harmony, which makes this Single Whip subtle and ingenious. Two legs of the figure are standing firmly on the ground. The vertical cut keeps the wood's original texture completely, making a stable visual effect. Left and right cuts, two inclined sections are two arms of the figure, creating a round up form, dynamic yet stable. The cutting of the work resembles the axe strokes of the landscape painting, which is complimented by the art critic Chu Ko. He says, “This kind of sculpting is like the freehand painting on the paper. Every stroke is precise and subtle, creating an unlimited world with the limited space.” Ju endows the sculpting with the Spirit, Temper, and Essence of Taichi. The Taichi wisdom has been folded in the wood texture, existing as a great example of the “Human-Nature Integration”.Rhythm in Action, Yin and Yang on Balance“I create with 'speed', which enables me to immerse myself in the creation, exploring my potential.”——Ju MingBesides the human-nature connection, Ju starts form the “Force” of Taichi too. He illustrates the conflict and balance within people's interaction. The diverse choice of material enables him to jump out of the limitation of wood carving. The use of granite and bronze endows solidarity and gravitas to the works, and the varied forms create varied artistic characters as well.Taichi Series —— Boxing (Lot 58) is made by a special kind of granite. Due to its hardness to carve and cut, it is rarely seen in Ju's creation. The granite sculpture is cut in a neat manner, which is Ju's intention to simplify the complex. The hardness, weight, and aura glow from the work. Two masters are facing each other in highly tension, and the Yin-Yang balance holds the spacial connection. The moment makes the life eternal.Ju's Taichi, is often presented in heavy blocks to show figure's mighty image. However, another work, Taichi Series —— Boxing (Lot 55), is shown in a powerful yet rather thin style. Multiple blocks create a sense of rhythm, illustrating the powerful kicking. The left figure's two arms sink, and one of his leg is kicking high. The attacking moment is captured by the artist with the quick and upward cutting. The right figure is swirly kicking back, sharp and dynamic from the front, yet hard and stable from the back. The pose and action hides all the dynamics in the stillness. As the knife cuts, the circulation and conflict between individuals' power is freed instantly, like the Yin and Yang power each other yet conflict each other as well. The outstanding gravitas and proud grows from the work, is a confirmation of the maturity of Ju's sculpting language.The Form of Holding Each Other, The Shape of Co-Living“Taichi teaches people to follow the nature. Ju Ming's Taichi Series has no specific pose. They represent a power beyond the body, a spiritual world owned by everyone.”——Johnson ChangFrom the figurative Boxing to the abstract Arch, Ju's understanding about the core idea of Taichi has reached into a higher state, Higher Self. Arch is a developed work of Ju in his Taichi Series, which is permanently collected by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, University of Cambridge, and some other high-education institutions. Ashmolean museum of Oxford University even put it together with the work of western master sculptor Henry Moore. Being together, their works show a possibility of Oriental-Western co-existing, which also confirmed the significance of two masters in the art history. Taichi Series —— Arch (Lot 57) presented in this auction is full of tension. The fine texture of the wood indicates a long-lived internal energy. When it is put on a desk, the Taichi spirit and the aesthetics of wood carving would be right in front of you to admire.The rectangular blocks and cutting rhythm only belonging to wood carving makes the work harmonious with both hardness and softness. The figures' bodies are in one piece, stretching with rhythm. One man pushes himself against the ground, and stretches out his other hand in an arch-like pose. The other man defends with one hand, stands firmly, and holds a balance in forth-back action, which is highly rhythmic. The tense wooden texture of work perfectly coordinates with the persons' body shape, precisely catching the abstract artistic characters in this specific scene. The form of arch is also a symbol of “two polarities” of Taichi, summarizing the virtuality-solidity switch. It seems that the masters are fighting, while the pose that they hold each other is actually a circulation of power. The breath control and circulation of Taichi is also embedded with the human connection in this work, developing a spiritual appeal, Higher Self.

Oct 8, 2020

China Guardian

Date and signed in Chinese on the bottom of the backside PROVENANCEKalos Gallery, TaipeiPrivate Collection, AsiaThis work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist issued by Kalos Gallery, Taipei

Oct 8, 2020

China Guardian

Signed in Chinese and dated on the underside of the right PROVENANCEImportant Private Collection, AsiaThis work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Nonprofit Organization Juming Culture and Education Foundation