Lot 3625. Peng Wei (B. 1974), I often engage in profound conversations with precious stones, signed Peng Wei, dated Gui Si (2013), inscribed and with one seal of the artist; ink on paper, framed; 73 by 138 cm., 28 3/4 by 54 1/3 in. Estimation 300,000 — 500,000 HKD. Lot. Vendu 1,060,000 HKD. Photo Sotheby's.

Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist in 2013.

Artist's inscription:

If you really could understand the thoughts of rubies and sapphires, you would be uplifted.
Minerals are the language of the universe, plants are the language of humanity.
I have had long heart-to-hearts with diamonds.
Jade, moral.
Jadeite, sentimental.
Pearls, thoughtful.
Copper, sincere.
Iron, humorless.
Tin, servile.
Granite, very confident.
Marble, static freedom and sophistication.
Pottery, at this point, we are pleasantly surprised.
Porcelain, the dead souls of China.
Lacquer, astute, capable, considerate, and loyal.
Wood, works tirelessly, then decays.
Bamboo, whatever you do to it, it will maintain its personality.
Cloth, bears all hardships.
Silk, thinks well of itself.
Satin, holds itself arrogantly aloof.
Brocade, busy baring its soul.
Damask, frivolous, but still honest.
Netting, seems to be convinced.
Gauze, pretending to renounce the world.
Velvet, full of self-confidence.
And Wool? Composed but with lofty goals. What are they?
Corduroys, never out of date.
Khakis, the world is theirs.
Blue jeans, Adam’s true nature.
Stone-washed denim, rising to the top, like a king among men.
Harem pants, every generation should wear them.

Sotheby's. Contemporary Literati — A Gathering, Hong Kong, 07 april 2014