Zhang Zhiping, Pastoral Song, Undated

Ink and colour on paper
69 x 69 cm
Condition: Good, with visible signs of aging

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This is a “farmer's painting”, a form of folk art in China, acquired by the late-artist Teng Nee Cheong from the artist Zhang Zhiping of Yan'an, during one of his several visits to China in the 1990s.

Hand-painted in 'shui fen' which translates to 'water powder', it is paint powder similar to gouache. Titled '牧mu 歌 ge', it translates as 'Pastoral Song' -  to mean 'an idyllic pastoral setting'. Zhang's works seek to interpret the love of 'land and life' which is the foundation and source of inspiration for the artists of “farmer’s paintings”. Often rendered in bright colours, “farmer’s paintings” also called “peasant paintings”, and often depict scenes of traditional rural life, folk customs or features of the four seasons, painted in bold and playful imagery.

(Photographed in September 2024)