**Originally Listed At $500**

East Asia, China, 20th century. Four mixed media paintings, each one marked with a red stamp featuring the image of a stylized bird, three of the four also featuring a circular red stamp with an abstract motif, all stamps located at the lower right of the artworks. The paintings depict abstract visages representing the four winds: the east wind called Xie; the south wind called Wei; the west wind, called Yi (second tone in Mandarin); and the north wind, called Yi (first tone in Mandarin). All are expressively delineated in shades of red, black, grey, and white. Wind plays an important role in Chinese mythology, as it is believed that the goddess Nu Gua's clay pieces were scattered throughout the world by the wind. These pieces transformed into the first people of the world. What's more, wind, residing between Earth and Heaven, is associated with the "qi" or "chi" meaning the breath of life. Size (sight views): ~ 17.25" L x 15.5" W (43.8 cm x 39.4 cm) Size: (frames): 22.875" L x 20.875" W (58.1 cm x 53 cm)

Provenance: ex-John Hurter collection, Palm Springs, California, USA, purchased in Hong Kong in the mid-1980s and imported into the US prior to 1995

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#179165

The four artworks are mounted under glass in custom frames with lovely tone-on-tone off white fabric borders featuring stylized bird motifs surrounded by curvilinear patterns. Some wear to edges and areas of compositions as shown, but images and hues are strong. Each one is marked with a red stamp featuring the image of a stylized bird, three of the four also featuring a circular red stamp with an abstract motif, all stamps located at the lower right of the artworks. Frames present with a few scuffs to the finish but are otherwise very nice and fit with suspension wires for displaying.