LOT 18
ZAO WOU-KI
B. China 1921 – 2013
Untitled, 1967
Signed in Chinese & Pinyin and numbered 15/50
Colour Lithograph, Edition 15/50
27.5 x 38.2 cm
Provenance Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
Published in Christie’s Hong Kong Asian 20th Century Art (Day Sale)
(Lot 446) Sale 3359 – November 23, 2014 auction catalogue
Reference
Arts et Mtiers Graphiques, Zao Wou-Ki Les estampes 1937-1974,
Paris, France, 1975 (illustrated in black & white, plate 166, p. 93).
Edition Heede & Moestrup, Zao Wou-Ki:
The Graphic Work, A Catalogue Raisonn 1937-1995,
Copenhagen, Denmark, 1994 (illustrated, plate 165, p. 100)
RM 12,000 – RM 16,000
Chinese-French artist Zao Wou-Ki was famous for incorporating both the Orientalist and Western approach in his artworks. His abstract works include Modernist lines and inklings of traditional Chinese landscape paintings, creating his own theme and version of West-meets-East. This work on paper has hints of a three-dimensional quality, and may have different meanings, depending on the viewer. The mixture of the Western art and Chinese influences was a pursuit of unity by Zao, and the end result is a work of abstract art. As he stated once, the combination of techniques appears different for some, as those of Western influences may see a play of colours and lines, but those of the Chinese art influences may see mountains, water or even wind.
Born into a wealthy family in Beijing, his family encouraged his interest in art. He studied calligraphy and painting at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. His works are influenced by Paul Klee, Matisse, Picasso and Cézanne. Zao was a member of the Académie des beaux-arts and was said to be one of the most successful Chinese painters in the world.