{"meta":{"version":"2.1","_links":{"self":{"href":"https://api.vam.ac.uk/v2/object/O1771174"},"collection_page":{"href":"https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1771174/"}},"images":null,"see_also":null},"record":{"systemNumber":"O1771174","accessionNumber":"FE.50-2024","objectType":"Sculpture","titles":[],"summaryDescription":"Li Yongqing is a prominent artist and educator in the field of modern studio lacquer art. As one of the early pioneers and key witnesses to lacquer's establishment as a recognized fine art category in China in 1984, he played a significant role in its development. After graduating from the Department of Craft Painting at Nanjing Academy of Fine Arts in 1982, Li was sent to study under Shen Fuwen at the Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts. Under Shen’s mentorship, Li gained a new perspective on lacquer—not merely as a traditional craft material but as a versatile medium for artistic expression.\n\nThis pivotal experience sparked Li’s lifelong advocacy for lacquer art. He has since devoted himself to both its creation and education. In 1984, the National Art Exhibition of China introduced a dedicated category for lacquer painting, formally elevating its status from craft to fine art. At just 24, Li submitted three works to the exhibition, all of which were accepted by the selection committee. He continued his studies with Shen Fuwen until 1985, after which he returned to Nanjing and founded a lacquer program at the academy. Under Li’s leadership, the lacquer program at Nanjing Academy of Fine Arts has remained a vital part of the institution’s curriculum, significantly contributing to the academy's reputation in craft education.\n\n'The Path of Circulation' is one of the artist’s most renowned three-dimensional works, characterized by its elegant, monumental form, vibrant colors with delicate shading, and the striking contrast between the glossy lacquer surface and the exposed linen core visible along the edges. By deliberately revealing the linen core—traditionally concealed in lacquerware—the artist challenges conventional perceptions and aesthetics of lacquer art, inviting viewers to reconsider its possibilities.","physicalDescription":"","artistMakerPerson":[],"artistMakerOrganisations":[],"artistMakerPeople":[],"materials":[{"text":"lacquer","id":"AAT14916"},{"text":"linen","id":"x29412"}],"techniques":[],"materialsAndTechniques":"","categories":[{"text":"Sculpture","id":"THES48896"},{"text":"Lacquerware","id":"THES49004"}],"styles":[],"collectionCode":{"text":"EAS","id":"THES48596"},"images":[],"imageResolution":"","galleryLocations":[{"current":{"text":"44","id":"THES49802"},"free":"","case":"CA52","shelf":"","box":""}],"partTypes":[[{"text":"Sculpture","id":"AAT47090"}]],"contentWarnings":[{"apprise":"","note":""}],"placesOfOrigin":[{"place":{"text":"China","id":"x29398"},"association":{"text":"","id":""},"note":""}],"productionDates":[{"date":{"text":"2012","earliest":"2012-01-01","latest":"2012-12-31"},"association":{"text":"","id":""},"note":""}],"associatedObjects":[],"creditLine":"Presented by Art Fund, with support of Sally Rui Li","dimensions":[{"dimension":"Height","value":"930","unit":"mm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""},{"dimension":"Length","value":"680","unit":"mm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""},{"dimension":"Width","value":"195","unit":"mm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""}],"dimensionsNote":"","marksAndInscriptions":[],"objectHistory":"","historicalContext":"","briefDescription":"Sculpture, 'Path of Circulation', lacquer on linen, by Li Yongqing (b.1960), China, 2012","bibliographicReferences":[],"production":"","productionType":{"text":"","id":""},"contentDescription":"","contentPlaces":[],"associatedPlaces":[],"contentPerson":[],"associatedPerson":[],"contentOrganisations":[],"associatedOrganisations":[],"contentPeople":[],"associatedPeople":[],"contentEvents":[],"associatedEvents":[],"contentOthers":[],"contentConcepts":[],"contentLiteraryRefs":[],"galleryLabels":[],"partNumbers":["FE.50-2024"],"accessionNumberNum":"50","accessionNumberPrefix":"FE","accessionYear":2024,"otherNumbers":[],"copyNumber":"","aspects":["WHOLE"],"assets":[],"recordModificationDate":"2026-02-13","recordCreationDate":"2024-01-19","availableToBook":false}}