Vase of Flowers

Chen Junde, a renowned contemporary Chinese oil painter and art educator, carried forward the spirit of Republican-era Shanghai School oil painting, blending the traits of Expressionism with the charm of traditional xieyi (freehand) painting, and made significant contributions to the development of “freehand oil painting” in China. In his later years, Chen travelled through Europe, creating numerous oil paintings and oil pastel works. Vase of Flowers, painted during this period, outlines the leaves with rough, textured lines and renders the blossoms with velvety, gentle strokes. The rich, vivid flowers contrast with the low-saturation pink-purple background, radiating a bright and vigorous vitality. The composition breaks free from the constraints of realistic light and shadow, embracing a childlike innocence reminiscent of oil pastel art.