Zao Wou-Ki (Zhao Wuji)

signed in pinyin and Chinese and dated 51 (lower right); signed in pinyin and dated 51 (reverse)
Executed in 1951

Private American Collection

Painting has buckling throughout. Aside from a scratch at the upper centre (approximately 1.5 cm) and wear along the top and bottom of the canvas, this work is in moderate condition. There is no restoration visible under UV light.
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In Zao Wou-ki's Untitled, created in 1951, the artist has internalized his observations of the outside world.  Through his concise use of line and brushstrokes Zao describes a simple, quiet landscape.  In the foreground, two small houses sit in an enclosure alongside a few scattered, old trees.  Receding backwards, the artist has painted layers of hills leading to the outline of a full moon.  Zao has constructed a leisurely world; the enclosure stands without a door, allowing the viewer to wander freely through the painting.

Through his brushstrokes, Zao Wou-ki enhances images of natural creation to a  higher, spiritual level.  Zao's use of colour in this work is inspired by the colours found in Chinese bronze vessels, in particular in the use of the characteristic light green paint.  Through graduated levels of colour, Zao recreates the leisurely and misty poetic landscapes found in traditional Chinese paintings.  The viewer is moved to consider the figures of the Chinese literati from bygone times who chose to live in seclusion in the woods, leaving the world behind in the pursuit of a carefree lifestyle.  The Eastern Jin Dynasty poet, Tao Qian, described this kind of poetic landscape in in his poem Drinking Wine:

I made my home amidst this human bustle,
Yet I hear no clamor from the carts and horses
My friend, you ask me how this can be so?
A distant heart will tend towards like places.
From the Eastern hedge, I pick chrysanthemum flowers,
And idly look towards the Southern hills
...
I know that this must have some deeper meaning
I try to explain, but cannot find the words.

Man's humility towards earth and nature is once again described in this picturesque scene.  Gazing at the canvas, we are invited to wonder into Zao Wou-ki's peaceful and imaginary world.