How a Chinese Artist Traded a Painting for a Can of Coffee

In 1983, a time when imported coffee was still a novelty in China, one artist made a trade that now sounds unbelievable: he exchanged a painting for a single can of Nestlé coffee. That coffee, back then, carried the same cultural cachet as today’s latest Apple product — rare, modern, and coveted. For Ding Yi, it wasn’t just a drink; it was a symbol of a changing world.

Ding Yi traded a painting for a can of Nestlé coffee in 1983 — a time when instant coffee was as desirable in China as the latest tech gadget is today.

The ‘Little Grid’ Art That Took Decades to Appreciate

Ding Yi is best known for his signature “ten” series — monochromatic compositions of repeated crosses, which he calls “” (shí shì), a term borrowed from printing jargon. To many, these works resemble fabric patterns or grids, but to Ding Yi, they are a deliberate break from traditional Chinese art and Western representational styles. He began experimenting with this visual language as early as 1983, and by 1986, it had become his central focus. Despite its stark simplicity, Ding Yi has continued this visual motif for over 20 years, driven by a need to dig deeper rather than jump between trends.

A Reluctant Celebrity: Teaching Instead of Traveling

Despite his current status as one of only three living Shanghai-based artists whose works have sold for over ten million RMB at auction, Ding Yi’s early career was far from glamorous. In the 1980s, his abstract approach was considered too avant-garde, leaving him with few buyers and even fewer fans. Opting out of more lucrative opportunities like working for a publishing house or going abroad, Ding Yi chose to teach at a local arts school for 16 years to secure time for his art. He even lived on campus to save time on cooking. During those years, selling art was so uncommon that his first sale — in 1987 — was a mere 250 RMB worth of exchange coupons, enough to buy a small appliance. His big trade in 1983? A painting for a can of Nestlé coffee.

From Obscurity to Luxury Collaborations

Today, Ding Yi’s work commands global attention. He became the first Chinese artist to collaborate with Hermès, designing scarves based on his grid-inspired aesthetic. According to Ding, the luxury brand was drawn not necessarily to his design skills, but to the international sensibility embedded in his work. He remains cautious about such partnerships, emphasizing that artistic freedom must never be compromised for trend-driven collaborations. “If a brand is too controlling,” he says, “it risks diluting both the artist’s vision and long-term reputation.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Ding Yi trade a painting for in 1983?

In 1983, Ding Yi exchanged one of his paintings for a single can of Nestlé coffee — a highly sought-after item in China at the time, comparable in cultural value to today’s Apple products.

When did Ding Yi start his 'ten' or '' series?

Ding Yi began developing his “ten” or “” series around 1986, though similar works existed as early as 1983. The series features repeated crosses and has been his primary focus for over 20 years.

Why did Ding Yi choose to teach instead of pursuing other jobs?

Ding Yi taught at a Shanghai arts school for 16 years after graduation to prioritize his art over more commercial or overseas opportunities. He even lived on campus to save time on daily tasks like cooking.

What luxury brand did Ding Yi collaborate with?

Ding Yi was the first Chinese artist to collaborate with Hermès, creating scarf designs inspired by his grid art. The brand was attracted to the international feel of his work.

How did Ding Yi feel about working with luxury brands?

Ding Yi remains cautious and emphasizes the importance of maintaining artistic freedom. He warned that too much brand control can harm both creativity and reputation.

When did Ding Yi sell his first painting?

Ding Yi’s first recorded sale was in 1987, when he sold a painting to a Singaporean buyer for 250 RMB in exchange coupons — enough for a small appliance at the time.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Artistic Focus

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