呂壽琨 禪畫

(1919-1975)

Zen Painting



ink and color on paper, framed



signed and dated 1972 in Chinese, marked with three seals of the artist

The paper background is whiter than catalogue illustration; while the black ink is consistent with catalogue illustration, but with better contrast. The work overall is in very 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Lü Shoukun is recognized as the pioneer of modern ink painting and is one of he most important figures to have worked outside of China in the 20th century. His innovation with traditional landscapes, experimentation with brushwork and incorporation of Western conceptualism and abstraction, liberate his work from the confines of traditional painting. Subsequent generations of ink painters are indebted to Lü’s advocacy for challenging the boundaries of modernism in Chinese painting. His sophisticated Zen series developed later in his career is inspired by the philosophy of Chan Buddhism, as well as the compositions of Abstract Expressionism, and is the landmark result of his painting experimentation. Lü Shoukun’s early landscapes and modern works alike are prominently featured in collections at the Hong Kong Museum of Art; Art Museum of Chinese University Hong Kong; the Taipei National Museum of History; the de Young Museum, San Francisco; the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; the Bristol City Art Gallery, Bristol; Nottingham Castle Gallery, Nottingham; the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco and the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, Oxford.