"panther Drinking"—a Large Glass Pastel Sculpture Signed By B.c. Zheng

A blend of restrained power and refinement, this remarkable glass paste panther illustrates with rare intensity the art of capturing the moment. Depicted in the act of drinking, the feline strikes a posture of great precision: its spine arches gracefully, its powerful shoulders stand out against the translucent material, while its elegantly coiled tail completes the composition with remarkable balance.

Crafted from thick, satin-finished glass paste, the sculpture reveals an extraordinary quality of material. Depending on the light, the glass comes alive with opalescent hues ranging from water green to deep blue, sometimes enhanced by subtle violet iridescence. These variations seem to arise from the very heart of the mass and lend the work an almost living presence. With every shift of the gaze, the perception of volume and color is renewed.

The deliberately refined treatment of the lines evokes the major principles of 20th-century animal sculpture and the aesthetic vocabulary of Art Deco, without ever descending into mere imitation. The artist prioritizes the synthesis of forms, the balance of masses, and the expressive power of the subject, creating a work that is both timeless and resolutely decorative.

The signature “B.C. Zheng,” engraved on the black glass base, completes a work whose quality of craftsmanship is immediately apparent.

A Limited Production

B.C. Zheng’s sculptures are primarily known in bronze. His glass works remain exceptionally rare. Despite extensive research in auction archives and international databases, no other glass paste panther signed by B.C. Zheng has been identified to date. Only one glass sculpture depicting a horse is currently documented, underscoring the limited nature of this body of work.

This scarcity of documentation enhances the appeal of this work, whose artistic qualities stand out regardless of the limited scope of his known body of work. Its generous size, its weight of 7 kg, and the masterful use of the material make it a first-rate sculpture, destined to occupy a central place in a prestigious collection or interior.

Technical Information

• Artist: B.C. Zheng

• Period: 20th century

• Medium: Solid glass paste, satin finish

• Signature: Engraved on the black glass base

• Dimensions: Length 26 cm – Width 13 cm – Height 18 cm

• Weight: 7 kg

• List Price: €3,650