Lü Shoukun

signed LÜ SHOUKUN, dated 1970, and with three seals of the artist: Lü, Zi Cheng Ming; Shou Kun Zhi Yin

The Mary and George Bloch Collection

Wong, Wucius. Lui Shou-kwan 1919 - 1975. Hong Kong, 1979, unpaginated

Lü Shoukun is recognized as the pioneer of modern ink painting and is one of the most important figures working outside China in the 20th century. His innovations with traditional landscapes, experimentation with brushwork and incorporation of Western conceptualism and abstraction, liberate his work from the confines of traditional painting. His sophisticated Zen series developed later in his career is inspired by the philosophy of Chan Buddhism and is the landmark result of his painting experimentations. “Purity” is a prominently published and rare work that uniquely combines both calligraphy and abstract painting in one. The compelling result demonstrates virtuosic technical skill with the brush and draws upon the rich intellectual traditions of Chinese and Western cultures.