Overview
Attribution and era are confirmed by the clear, explicit signature 'L. SUI 88 N. Y. ' in the lower left, accompanied by a red artist seal and Chinese calligraphy reading '躍馬中原' (Galloping horses in the Central Plains).
Identification
L. Sui Ink and Color Wash Painting of Galloping Horses, 1988
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
The painting is signed by L. Sui, dated 1988, and noted as painted in New York. This suggests a Chinese diaspora artist or a visiting artist working in the US during that period. The subject matter and calligraphy strongly align with traditional Chinese motifs. Specific ownership history prior to the current offering is unknown. The market for 20th-century Chinese ink wash paintings is highly polarized.
Maker / Origin
L. Sui
Condition & Value
Based on the provided description, the visible image appears to be in good condition with fluid brushwork and strong ink contrast. However, without high-resolution photos of the paper surface or the verso, it is impossible to rule out minor foxing, toning, or mounting issues common to works on paper from the 1980s.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The market for 20th-century Chinese ink wash paintings is highly polarized. Masterworks by renowned artists command massive premiums, while homage works, followers, and decorative pieces trade heavily on aesthetic appeal and subject matter. Galloping horses are a perennial favorite, symbolizing strength and success, ensuring steady demand in the decorative and mid-tier auction markets. Works by lesser-known diaspora artists typically trade based on execution quality and size rather than artist name recognition.
Value Drivers
▲ Original ink and color wash execution with fluid, confident brushwork.
▲ Highly desirable and culturally significant 'galloping horses' motif.
▲ Clear signature, date (1988), and artist seal provide concrete attribution.
Concerns
▼ Lack of direct secondary market auction records for the artist 'L. Sui' caps the value at the decorative tier.
▼ Unverified dimensions — a very small work would push the value toward the lower end of the range.
▼ Unverified condition of the paper support — hidden foxing or poor mounting could discount the estimate.
Best Venue
List the artwork in a mid-tier online art auction or a specialized Asian arts and antiques sale to reach buyers interested in traditional Chinese motifs. Ensure exact dimensions (both image and frame) are clearly stated in the listing, as size significantly impacts the value of decorative ink wash paintings. Providing a clear photo of the verso and frame construction will also help reassure buyers.
Upside Potential
If the artist L. Sui can be positively linked to a known, listed artist with established auction records, or if the piece is exceptionally large (e. g., over 36 inches), the value could push toward the $1,000-$2,000 tier seen for high-quality homage works.
▾Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 3 comps
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.
Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 3 comps
- Michaan's AuctionsAfter Xu Beihong: 'Horse' Framed Chinese PaintingLink could not be verified.$250
- Chinese ink painting of a galloping horse after Xu BeihongSale on record but hammer price not published.No price
- Bonhams· 2021-11-02Manner of XU BEIHONG (1895-1953) Galloping HorseSale on record but hammer price not published.No price