(Taiwan English News / Arts & Culture Section, Comprehensive Report)

Dr. Ye Guo-Shin, the first Chinese scholar to earn a Ph.D. in calligraphy and painting authentication, has dedicated the past 20 years to the study of art authentication. After more than a decade of meticulous work, including visits to museums and art galleries both domestically and internationally to gather first-hand materials, Ye has authored Taiwan’s first comprehensive academic, systematic, and market-focused book on art authentication. The book, titled Chronicles of Ink and Brush: A Study of Ancient and Modern Calligraphy and Painting Art Authentication, delves deeply into the authentication of both ancient and modern works of calligraphy and painting.

The book features nearly 2,000 images sourced from museums around the world, printed to the highest standards to closely replicate the appearance of original works. To prevent unauthorized reproduction, anti-counterfeiting technology has been incorporated into the printing process. Furthermore, to ensure the book’s durability, its cover is uniquely crafted using high-cost, sturdy wooden materials to resist damage, deformation, and pests.

According to reports from Liberty Times and Commercial Times, during the book launch on the 26th, Ye Guo-Shin expressed his hope that the book would help readers develop the ability to discern and appreciate art.

The 720,000-character volume reflects Ye’s global travels to visit artists, their disciples, and their families, allowing him to gather rare and valuable first-hand data. Additionally, Ye developed a unique “Painting/Calligraphy Authenticity Assessment Table,” based on Western art methodology, to serve as the structural framework for the book. This table presents a scientific and logical approach to what has traditionally been considered a mysterious field—art authentication.

Given the lack of books on art authentication, Ye stated, “I hope this book can provide basic knowledge and awareness so that readers can identify forgeries and learn the proper methods of art authentication.”

The book launch also marked the establishment of the Mo Hai Lou International Art Research Group and Asia’s first Art Authentication Museum, which combines the functions of an art library, offering a novel and integrated platform for art education, professional exchanges, and public engagement. This institution aims to promote artistic exchange and education while serving as a hub for reading, research, and dialogue.

According to the official website of Mo Hai Lou, Dr. Ye Guo-Shin is the first Chinese scholar to earn a doctorate in “Art Authentication” from the United Kingdom. He has served as a lecturer on calligraphy and painting authentication for the Forensic Science Division of Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau and other governmental institutions. For years, Ye has provided authentication services for collectors and auction houses worldwide, working in multiple roles as an artist, authenticator, and auctioneer. He is also a consultant on calligraphy and painting authentication for numerous international art auction houses.

At the book launch on the 26th, an auction of the book was held, where the highest bid came from Dr. Winston Wong, president of the Hongren Group. Additionally, Fu Yiyao, daughter of the renowned modern painter Fu Baoshi, personally inscribed one of her earlier works and gifted it to the winning bidder.

(Excerpted from HiNet Lifestyle Magazine)
Source URL: https://times.hinet.net/news/21986096