Nang Hien Le – The Zither Player, 1977
Details
Signed lower right “Năng Hiển”.
Sizes:
Frame: 68 × 54 cm | 26.8 × 21.3 in
Artwork: 51.5 × 39.5 cm | 20.3 × 15.6 in
This exquisite painting on silk is a masterful example of 20th-century Vietnamese art, blending classical elegance with a soft, dreamlike atmosphere. The composition features a young woman in a traditional white áo dài adorned with delicate floral patterns, gracefully playing the đàn tranh (Vietnamese zither). The artist utilizes a subtle, ethereal palette of muted greens and golds, characteristic of the refined Vietnamese silk painting tradition, where pigments are washed onto the fabric to create a soft, translucent effect.
The work is signed “Năng Hiển” and dated “1977” in the lower right corner, accompanied by a traditional red seal. The level of detail—from the flowing black hair of the musician to the delicate blossoms in the background—demonstrates a high degree of technical skill and emotional sensitivity. Housed in a classic gilded frame with a wide white mat, the painting is in excellent condition, offering a timeless representation of cultural heritage and musical grace.
Provenance
Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers of Fine Art; Auction 2604, Aarhus; Lot 2604/6;
Condition
Good vintage condition with some signs of wear. Framed.
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