Lot Essay
Considered one of the most successful figure painters in contemporary China, Li Jin was fascinated by painting at a young age and following the advice of his aunt, renowned painter Zhou Sicong, Li received his formal training at the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts. Different from Li Jin’s colourful compositions that often exemplifies his daily life indulgences, in Lot 837 the artist depicts monks in a monastic setting, with neutral understated tones. Written in his typically humorous and colloquial manner, the titles of the works express Li’s longing for tranquility and companionship.