Ink on paper

78.5 x 85.5 cm. 30 7/8 x 33 5/8 in.

Signed and dated “Wou-ki Zao 00” in Chinese and Pinyin. on lower right
Literature：Tina Keng Gallery,Taipei,Taiwan,Zao Wou-ki,2000,p. 42.
Exhibited：Tina Keng Gallery,Taipei,Taiwan,Zao Wou-ki's Ink Paintings,1-26 November 2000
Provenance：20th Century Chinese Art,Sotheby’s Hong Kong,27 November 2005,Lot 290；Acquired from the above sale by the present owner.

Zao Wou-Ki
“To be able to touch the wrinkles on xuan paper offers me tremendous pleasure. It is completely different compared to the smooth and firm texture of canvas. The irregular marks and water on xuan paper help create infinite amount of astonishing rendering effects. Once the xuan paper comes into contact with the ink,it absorbs the ink,and combining the rhythmic movements of the elbow,creates variations of black,white and grey-a thousand shades of grey. A space is invented under the tip of the brush,taking its form and soaring freely as I run my imagination,the ink gracefully spreads-the lightness of the brushstroke,the lightness of colours,and the lightness in passing of time.”
－ Zao Wou-Ki
Zao Wou-ki went to Paris for further studies in 1940s. After his breakthroughs in oil painting in the 1950-60s,he explored ink painting again in the 1970s. His subjects and artistic manner demonstrated strong Oriental spirit,which is characterised as the “Boundless Period”. He returned to Chinese ink wash techniques and spatial conceptions of Chinese ink paintings,which offered him novel inspiration by transcending his works to another level.
Zao’s art works gradually evolved from a structured,fixed whole world towards a more spontaneous and unsystematic phase of creation. After his beloved second wife passed away,Zao resumed ink painting again as a therapeutic practice to grieve over his loss. He stopped abandoning traditional ink painting and began to master creativity and randomness on large pieces of fine Chinese paper（xuan zhi）. Zao mellowed considerably as he grew older after the 1980s. Full of passion,Zao infused resplendent contrasting colours into an ambient atmosphere of clouds and water mists. After the 1990s,Zao’s works became consummate works of art；displaying a state of pure elegance,with the Chinese philosophy stressing the integration of heaven and human. It is particularly emphasised in Zao’s monochrome ink paintings through his experimentations with Chinese painting tradition. The overall scene displayed a free lyrical style of warmth and grace.
This piece of ink painting,Untitled,is a signature 1980s style drawn with a square composition. Zao’s employment of rich and vigorous ink variations show his meditative spirit. Under the poignant movements of his brushstroke,the random intertwining of ink spots,ink lines and patches exhibit the true essence of Chinese calligraphy. With the infinite variations of ink；delicate and bold lines compose a perfect balance of substance and void,a tranquil imagery. This masterpiece was an important work composed in the last years of Zao’s artistic career.

Price estimate:
HKD：450,000 - 550,000
USD：58,100 - 71,000

Auction Result:
HKD: --