The Year of the Horse
Original Print / Serigraph on heavy deckled paper • Signed 'Jiang' (lower right); this is a work by Jiang Tie-Feng (born 1938), founder of the Yunnan School of painting.
Style & Movement
Yunnan School (Heavy Color Movement); a blend of Chinese traditional motifs with Western post-impressionist and modern aesthetics.
Medium & Technique
Serigraphy (silk-screen printing) with experimental textures; appears to use a mix of flat ink and raised, impasto-like graphical textures in the horse and dress details.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, circa 1990-1995 (The most recent 'Year of the Horse' in this era was 1990).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 36 x 36 inches (image size); square format presented in a landscape-oriented rectangular frame with matting.
Subject Description
A central, stylized female figure in an ornate gown decorated with fish patterns, standing before a large, abstractly colored horse in a prancing pose. The composition utilizes vibrant blues, purples, and teals against a solid dark background, representing fertility, strength, and nature-inspired mythological themes typical of Jiang's work.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the colors appear vibrant with no significant fading. The paper shows natural deckled edges. Some reflections on the glass indicate it is framed under standard protection.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,200 USD
Provenance History
Marked 'Artist's Proof' (A/P) in the lower left. Likely acquired via a reputable gallery such as Fingerhut Galleries, which widely distributed Jiang's work in the 1980s and 90s.
Art Historical Significance
Jiang Tie-Feng is the primary figure of the Yunnan School, which broke away from Socialist Realism in China to embrace decorative, expressive, and ethnically diverse themes. His work is credited with introducing a 'new Chinese renaissance' to Western collectors in the late 20th century.
Notable Features
Includes the title 'The Year of the Horse' inscribed in the lower margin and is designated as an 'Artist Proof', which are often more desirable than the standard numbered edition.
Condition Issues
Minor potential for undulation of the paper due to being an Artist Proof on heavy stock; no visible foxing, humidity damage, or UV bleaching from the photograph.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the artwork is mounted using acid-free materials; replace glass with UV-protective acrylic (Optium Museum Acrylic) if displayed in bright rooms to prevent color shifts in the blue pigments.