Hen and Chicks (or Mother Hen in Nest)
Original fine art print (likely a woodblock print or high-quality silk screen) on paper • Attributed to Dahai (Chinese, active late 20th century). Note the artist's seal/chop in the lower right corner.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Chinese Folk Art; specifically associated with the Huxian Peasant Painting movement or similar modern graphic folk styles
Medium & Technique
Color woodblock print (Mokuhanga technique) or Serigraph; characterized by flat color planes, sharp outlines, and graphic patterns
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980-1995)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 20 inches (image), 30 x 30 inches framed; Square format
Subject Description
A vibrant, stylized composition featuring a multi-colored hen sitting in a basket-weave nest with newly hatched yellow chicks. Below the nest, a row of blue and green chicks feed. The work utilizes bold primary and secondary colors against a bright red background, symbolizing fertility, motherly protection, and prosperity.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the colors appear vibrant and the paper shows no immediate signs of significant foxing or water damage under the glass.
Estimated Market Value
US $300 - $600 (depending on whether it is a hand-signed original or a limited edition print)
Auction Estimate
US $200 - $400
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a gallery specializing in contemporary Asian art or during a period of international export of Huxian-style folk art in the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the modern evolution of traditional Chinese folk motifs. These works often bridge the gap between traditional agrarian life and modern decorative aesthetics, gaining significant international popularity in the 1980s.
Notable Features
The presence of a traditional red artist seal (chop) in the lower right; intricate 'straw' detail in the nest; highly decorative geometric patterning on the hen's wings.
Condition Issues
Possible light fading due to UV exposure (typical for red pigments); frame shows minor scuffing; possible mat burn if non-acid-free materials were used during original framing.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the artwork is mounted with acid-free materials; replace standard glass with UV-protective museum glass to prevent further pigment degradation.