Archive, Fine Art, Southeast Asian Art

Nguyen Tuong Lan (Vietnam, 1906-1946)
Dans les lotus (Among the Lotuses)
signed with artist’s monogram, signed in Chinese, signed again and dated
‘NTLAN 1933’ (upper right); signed and dated ‘NT Lan 1933’ (lower right); signed and titled ‘n.tường lân Dans les lotus’ (on the reverse)
ink and gouache on silk
46.5 × 78 cm. (18 1/4 x 30 3/4 in.)
Painted in 1933

Estimate
HKD 800,000–1,200,000
USD 102,900–154,300

The work will be on the auction at Christie’s in September

Nguyen Tuong Lan’s Dans les lotus (Among the Lotuses) captures the essence of Vietnamese pastoral life, where the simplicity of daily tasks becomes imbued with a quiet spirituality. The soft palette of greens and blues creates a dreamlike atmosphere, reflecting the delicate balance between human life and the natural world. The central figure, engaged in the act of tending to lotus flowers—a symbol of purity and enlightenment—suggests a connection to deeper philosophical themes of renewal and resilience. The artist’s sensitive brushwork and attention to natural forms reveal a profound appreciation for both tradition and the subtleties of nature, creating a work that is both meditative and evocative.