Liu Haisu

We authenticate, certify, issue certificates of authenticity (COA), appraise the value and broker the sale of paintings and drawings by LIU Haisu.

Chinese

Born in 1896, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China

Died in 1994, Shanghai, China, aged 98.

Liu Haisu spent most of his life in China, particularly in Shanghai, where he became a central figure in modern Chinese art. He also spent time abroad, notably in France, where he studied European painting, and this period was crucial in shaping his style.

Typical Subject Matter:

Liu Haisu primarily painted landscapes, figure studies, and portraits, with a deep focus on capturing both the physical and emotional essence of his subjects. His works reflect the natural world, with many pieces depicting mountains, rivers, and trees. He also painted flowers and birds, following in the classical traditions of Chinese art.

Liu was particularly known for his figure paintings, which often included traditional themes with a modern twist. He explored the human form with an interest in movement and expression.

He was also deeply influenced by Chinese calligraphy, often incorporating its fluid lines and elegant forms into his works.

Typical Style:

Liu Haisu is renowned for being one of the key figures who bridged traditional Chinese painting and Western art. He is particularly celebrated for his integration of Western realism and impressionism with traditional Chinese ink painting techniques, particularly his adaptation of Western oil painting methods into Chinese-style brushwork. His works are characterized by a bold use of colour, dynamic compositions, and a distinctive blend of realism with the poetic qualities inherent in Chinese art.

Visually, Liu's works often combine fluid brushstrokes with detailed realism. His figure paintings, for instance, display a keen understanding of anatomy and movement, while his landscapes are marked by their expressive brushwork. He frequently used Chinese ink to create soft, flowing lines, and combined them with more Westernized colour schemes.

While his early works were deeply rooted in traditional Chinese brushwork and ink wash, his later works increasingly incorporated oil paints and other Western techniques, leading to more painterly and expressive results.

Typical Material and Media:

Liu Haisu worked primarily in ink and watercolour on paper. For his figure studies and landscapes, he frequently used Chinese silk as a medium. In addition to traditional materials, Liu experimented with oil paints in his later career, especially during his time in Europe.

Liu also created works using charcoal and pastels, especially in his figure studies, as well as calligraphy.

If you own a painting or a drawing by or attributed to Liu Haisu, we would like to learn about it. Please send us photos or contact us at [email protected]. You will generally receive a response within 24 hours.