Zao Wou-Ki

Pierre Matisse Gallery, New York
Acquis auprès de celle-ci par le propriétaire actuel

New York, Pierre Matisse Gallery, Zao Wou-Ki - Paintings 1980-1985, 1986, no.8; catalogue, illustré en couleurs

Yves Bonnefoy et Gérard de Cortanze, Zao Wou-Ki, Paris, 1998, p.208, illustré en couleurs

The colours are fairly accurate in the catalogue illustration although the overall tonality is lighter in the original. The work is in excellent condition. Under UV light, there is no evidence of any retouching.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

signed; signed and dated on the back; oil on canvas. Executed on the 4th of December 1983.

" Si l'influence de Paris est indéniable dans toute ma formation d'artiste, je tiens aussi à dire que j'ai graduellement redécouvert la Chine, à mesure que ma personnalité s'affirmait. Dans mes toiles récentes, elle s'exprime d'une manière innée. Paradoxalement, c'est à Paris que je dois ce retour à mes origines profondes... ." (Zao Wou-Ki, François Cheng, extrait de la préface du catalogue de l'exposition Zao Wou-Ki aux Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais à Paris, 1981.)

Shitao (1641-1707), Listening to the sound of waterfall, 1684, encre sur papier, 223 x 76,5 cm, Sotheby's Hong Kong, 27 octobre 2003, lot 324, vendu 750.000 $USD. © D.R.