Zao Wou-Ki (Zhao Wuji)

signed in pinyin and Chinese; signed in pinyin and Chinese, titled, dated 25.10.72-15.1.73 and dedicated to Ernst Goldschmidt on the reverse
executed in1972-1973.

A gift for Ernst Goldschmidt from the artist
Private European Collection

Leymarie Jean, ed., Zao Wou-Ki, Hier et Demain, Barcelona, 1978, plate 426, p. 301
Leymarie Jean, ed., Zao Wou-Ki, Rizzoli International Publications, New York, 1979, plate 426, p. 301
Leymarie Jean, Zao Wou-Ki, Cercle d'Art, Barcelona, 1986, plate 458, p. 341

The work is in good condition overall. There are small splatter accretions brown in color across the surface of the painting. There is scattered stable craquelure in the lower middle and lower right quadrant of the canvas. There is no evidence of restoration under UV.
"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 dazzling colour renderings and continuous fine lines in Zao Wou-ki's work are striking, yet they still provide a sense of consolation. The fluid and free dynamic brushstrokes and the varying deep and shallow spaces within its composition make his work not just a landscape painting anymore, but the movement of the universe, the origin of the world, and the first light emerging from Chaos." ¹
PIERRE CABANNE

[1] Pierre Cabanne, ed., A Review of Retrospective Zao Wou-Ki, Artist Magazine, Taipei, 1993, p. 442