WU GUANZHONG | Water Alley in Jiangnan

signed WU GUANZHONG, dated 1987, later signed TU in 1991, inscribed, and with one seal of the artist

Selected Works of Wu Guanzhong, Sichuan Fine Arts Publishing House and Foreign languages Press, Beijing, 1990, p.49
The Complete Works of Wu Guanzhong, vol. VI, Hunan Fine Arts Publishing House, August 2007, p.158

-Minor foxing can be found on the painting, which can be improved by restoration. Otherwise, generally in good condition.
"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."

The artist began to paint the buzzing scenes of Jiangnan’s waterway and alleys after his visit to Suzhou in 1980. Using his numerous preparatory sketches of Suzhou’s Shantang river, he later created numerous artworks of similar themes and compositions. The white-walled houses with black-tiled roof along the flowing waterway, the bridge afar, people in bright-coloured clothes who are either walking on the alley or paddling their boats, these have all become the indicatives of Wu Guanzhong’s oeuvre. Furthermore, the triangular roofs, the elongated river and the curvy arch under the bridge, these lines and shapes render the beauty of forms that Wu pursued. As one of his most satisfying editions of Jiangnan, he later picked this painting for Rong Bao Zhai to produce 200 woodblock prints.