Zao Wou-Ki (Zhao Wuji)

signed in pinyin and Chinese; signed in pinyin, titled and dated 25.05.70 on the reverse; Exposition "Formes en Puissance" label affixed to the stretcher on the reverse

Galeria Di Prove, Lisbon
Private Collection, Lisbon
Important Private European Collection 

Paris, La Fondation Mercedes-Benz, Exposition "Formes en puissance," March 9 – April 9, 1971
Lisbon, Galeria Di Prove, Zao Wou-Ki Solo Exhibition, 1974
Lisbon, Fundação Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva, Zao Wou-Ki, June 24 – September 26, 2010

Exposition "Formes en Puissance," La Foundatin Mercedes-Benz, 1971
Lisbon, Galeria Di Prove, Zao Wou-Ki Solo Exhibition, Galeria Di Prove, 1974
Jean Leymarie, ed., Zao Wou-Ki, Hier et Demain, Barcelona, 1978, plate 161, p. 213, illustrated in colour
Zao Wou-Ki Solo Exhibition, Galeria Di Prove, Lisbon, 1974, plate 12, illustrated in colour
Jean Leymarie, ed., Zao Wou-ki, Polígrafa, Barcelona, 1979, plate 161, p. 213, illustrated in colour
Jean Leymarie, ed., Zao Wou-Ki, Rizzoli International Publications, New York, 1979, plate 161, p. 213, illustrated in colour
Jean Leymarie, ed., Zao Wou-Ki, Cercle d'Art, Barcelona, 1986, plate 161, illustrated in colour
Jean Leymarie, ed., Zao Wou-Ki, Cercle d'Art, Paris, 1986, plate 161, illustrated in colour
Zao Wou-Ki, Fundação Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva, Lisbon, 2010, p. 32, 33, illustrated in colour

This work is in very good condition overall. There is evidence of very minor craquelure across the surface of the painting, only visible under close examination. There is evidence of light wear and paint losses along the bottom edge of the work and white and brown accretions across the surface, presumably inherent to the artist's working method. There is no evidence of restoration under UV.
"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."

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Archives Zao Wou-Ki.

"Zao Wou-Ki also left the practical world. However his paintings have kept a certain amount of similarity with nature. It is here. It is not here. What we see cannot be it. It should be though...... Through nature  Zao Wou-Ki moves, shows himself, is depressed, revives, falls down, gets back on the horse, is enthusiastic...... In Zao Wou-Ki's paintings, whose size is sometimes gigantic, suitable to the dimension of his current feelings, there are more and more powerful assumptions of dirt – a magnifying transfer. Enormous masses must take off when time comes."

Henri Michaux