- 534
Wu Dayu
Estimate
2,500,000 - 3,500,000 HKD
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Description
- Wu Dayu
- Untitled - 16
- oil on canvas mounted on paperboard
- 21 x 15 1/4 inches
executed circa 70s.
Provenance
Christie's Hong Kong, May 24, 2009, Lot 525
Acquired at the above sale
Acquired at the above sale
Exhibited
Beijing, Lin & Keng Gallery, Grand Opening Exhibition, April 21 - May 21, 2007
Literature
Wu Dayu, Lin & Keng Gallery, Taipei, 2006, p. 58, 59, illustrated in colour
Lin & Keng Cultural Subjectivity of Oriental Aesthetics, Lin & Keng Gallery, Taipei, p. 76, illustrated in colour
Lin & Keng Cultural Subjectivity of Oriental Aesthetics, Lin & Keng Gallery, Taipei, p. 76, illustrated in colour
Condition
This work is overall in very good condition despite the slight craquelures along the bottom surface.
There is no evidence of restoration under UV light.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Untitled - 16 belongs to Wu Dayu's Beijing Opera Series. On the surface, he absorbed surrealist and abstract elements, creating an exaggerated bust made up of freely wielded colours and lines. Pine green and sapphire colours are tightly arranged like inlaid gems, creating a vibrant and pleasing effect. Wu's canvas appears joyful, vivacious, even humorous. From another perspective, Untitled -16 seems to portray a genteel couple in profile: They stand together, holding hands, looking at each other with deep feelings. This composition, itself an optical illusion, is also akin to Yituanheqi by Ming Dynasty Emperor Xianzong (Zhu Jianshen), a testament to Wu Dayu's personal Buddhist enlightenment.
The Bronze Age constitutes another artistic inspiration associated with Untitled - 16. The supernatural aura imbued with Bronze Age artifacts matches beautifully with abstract expressionism, apt for a philosophical vehicle characterized by a strong whiff of religious fervour. Wu's Untitled - 16 combines three major elements: He has injected the weightiness of bronze vessels and added ancient ritual abstract symbols into the bright hues of abstract expressionism, finding that perfect point where Chinese tradition and modern abstract art intersect.