The Northern Girl by Yang Fei Yun Sells for £1.9 Million at Auction

13th November 2018

Speculation and excitement abounded in the saleroom this morning, in anticipation of the sale of a unique painting – The Northern Girl by Yang Fei Yun (1954-), lot 8 in our Chinese Paintings sale.

The painting was offered on behalf of the Roddick Charitable Foundation and is the seminal work of artist Yang Fei Yun.  There was standing room only, with two full rows of telephone bidders at the back.  Fifteen minutes of bidding between many interested parties, both in the room and on ten phones saw the hammer price climb gradually.  The painting’s sitter was also present for the sale, making the moment poignant as well as one of excitement.  Deputy Chairman, John Axford was on the rostrum and after whittling down the bidders to two in the room, the hammer finally came down at £1.7 million, making a final total of £1,969,000 including buyer’s premium.

Speaking after the sale of the work, Mr Axford commented:

‘We were hoping the painting might make up to £500,000 but we and the Charity are both thrilled with the result.’

The piece was purchased by a buyer in the room.

Out of 14 lots that have sold for over £1 million at auction outside London, Woolley & Wallis have now sold 10.

 

Lot 8 

A Chinese painting, oil on canvas, signed September 1987, Yang Fei Yun hua Peng Peng, framed, 88cm x 70cm.

Provenance: 

Exhibited in 1987 at the inaugural 'National Oil Painting Exhibition' in Shanghai winning first prize. 

Exhibited in 1988 at the Hefner Galleries Inc. New York, 'Contemporary Oil Paintings from The People's Republic of China'. 

Purchased by Dame Anita Roddick (1942-2007) c.1990 from Hefner Galleries Inc., New York. 

Sold on behalf of the Roddick Charitable Foundation.