Wang Ze (Wang Jiaxi, Alphonso Wong)

(i) signed in Chinese, with an imprinted seal mark of the artist, and numbered CC-0098, framed under perspex
(ii) signed in Chinese, with an imprinted seal mark of the artist, dated 1978 and numbered CC-0236, framed under perspex
(iii) signed in Chinese, with an imprinted seal mark of the artist, dated 1972 and numbered 89 and CC-0089, framed under perspex
(iv) signed in Chinese, with an imprinted seal mark of the artist, dated 1972 and numbered 102 and CC-0111, framed under perspex

(i) Bottom right corner torn away, approx 6cm, with a vertical tear to the top edge, approx 2cm, with a circular patch of paper nearby, applied by the artist, probably as part of a correction. (ii) Generally in good condition. (iii) Generally in good condition. Minor tear to the paper on the right edge, approx 4cm. (iv) Some minor creases in the bottom half. Small tear in the bottom right corner, approx 8mm and another tear to the left edge, approx 1.8cm.
"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 1962, Wang Ze (Wang Jiaxi) breathed life into Old Master Q, who went on to become a Hong Kong favourite. Old Master Q has become famous beyond the Chinese community however, as Wang's comics have been translated into a variety of languages. Over 100 million copies have been circulated across the world, from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China, Singapore and India to Europe and the USA.

Old Master Q, Big Potato and Mr Qin are the three main characters in Wang Ze's four and six-frame comics. The stories are told in a humorous style and reflect the trends and changes of Hong Kong society during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, a time of rapid economic development in Hong Kong.

In this auction, Sotheby's offers two extremely rare works from Wang's early artistic career. Lot 1002 is a set of four black and white comics, among the best Wang produced in the 1960s. Lot 1001 is a set of four coloured illustrations, used as the covers of two off-print and two bound volumes in the 1970s. The three main characters are shown in funny settings, and are excellent examples of Wang's fine illustration.