Important Private Asian Collection

CANS Art News July 2002, Chinese Art Books Co., Taipei, 2002, p. 55
Li Chao, The History of Chinese Modern Oil Painting, Shanghai Fine Arts Publishing House, Shanghai, 2007, plate 70, p. 19
CANS Art News Editing Team, ed., Guan Zilan 1903 - 1985, Chinese Art Books Co., Taipei, 2012, plate 4, p. 46-47 

The work is overall in good condition. Upon very close inspection, there are extremely minor signs of hairline crack over the white impasto surfaces in the upper half, all of which appear to be in stable condition. Examination under UV light reveals very minor signs of retouching at the extreme bottom and left edges.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Music on Canvas In this painting, Guan Zilan’s diverse training in the traditional arts of music, chess, literature and painting as a woman from the privileged class is on full display. Since the 1920s New Culture Movement in China, the population of highly educated people who had studied overseas was on the rise, and Western music gained popularity as a result, and became an indicator of refinement in China. This trend was particularly pronounced in Shanghai where diverse cultures mingled. During this period, music was another favourite subject for Guan, leading to the creation of works that seamlessly harmonize visual and audio appreciation such as Music of the Spring (Violin) (Lot 1029).

The outstanding composition and nimble brushstrokes imbue the present lot with a charismatic, emotional affecting rhythm. The fragrance from the flowers permeates, a constant sensory experience beyond the visual stimulus. The contours of the figure and people are outlined concisely, the brushstrokes’ movement is swift and rhythmic, delightfully highlighting the subject’s spirit – be it the straight strings of the violin, the crinkly music score, or the hard desk surface – the artist’s strength is aptly displayed, her brushstrokes clean and decisive. Their images seem to extend infinitely beyond the canvas. The overall composition possesses a dynamic sense of movements and an open domain of imagination, more so than most classical still life paintings, revealing the artist’s inner artistic spirit.