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Zao Wou-Ki

Chinese, 1921-2013

Zao Wou-Ki was born in Beijing, China, on February 13, 1921, to a wealthy family descended from the Song Dynasty.

French-educated Chinese artist Lin Fengmian was Wou-Ki’s teacher at the China Academy of Art from 1935–41 and encouraged him to study abroad in Paris. Wou-Ki made the move in 1948 with a substantial amount of financial backing and later adopted France as his new home, remaining in the country, besides a few short trips abroad, until his death.

In Paris, Wou-Ki quickly joined a large postwar French art circle, composed of key writers, poets, painters and cultural figures, including Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Riopelle and Vieira da Silva, among others. This networking helped position himself at the top of the Lyrical Abstraction movement. By his mid-30s, Wou-Ki had decided to devote his artistic career to abstract painting that blended Eastern and Western stylistic traditions.

In 2011, Wou-Ki was referred to in art publications as the top-selling living Chinese artist. He died in Nyon, Switzerland, on April 9, 2013, at the age of 93.

Find authentic Zao Wou-Ki prints and other art on 1stDibs.

Average Sold Price
$602
Styles
Abstract
Materials
Etching
Lithograph
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"Hommage a Nobutaka Shikanai, " Zao Wou-Ki, Abstract Lithograph Mid-century Print
By Zao Wou-Ki
Located in New York, NY
Zao Wou-Ki (1920 - 2013) Hommage a Nobutaka Shikanai - 1991, (Agerup 354) Color lithograph on BFK Rives watermarked paper, full margins 24 x 18 1/4 inches Signed and titled in the sheet Published by Fuji Television Gallery, Tokyo Zao (Zhao) Wou Ki combines Oriental landscape abstraction with French influence. He was born in Beijing on February 13, 1921, and from the age of ten, Zao drew and painted with great freedom. He learned from his grandfather that calligraphy is an art when it transmits an emotion to the person looking at it. At age fourteen he enrolled at the School of Fine Arts in Hangzhou, where he remained for six years. He studied and then taught at the Hongchow National Academy of Fine Arts. In 1942, he organized an exhibition of works by his teacher, Wu Dayu, along with some of his own. In 1948, he moved to Paris where he has lived and worked ever since, although he has exhibited in New York City. He attended the Académie de la Grande Chaumière and lived at Rue du Moulin Vert nearby Alberto Giacometti's studio. Making the acquaintance of Hans Hartung, Nicolas de Staël, Pierre Soulages, Viera da Silva...
Category

1990s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

"Hommage a Nobutaka Shikanai, " Zao Wou-Ki, Abstract Lithograph Mid-century Print
"Hommage a Nobutaka Shikanai, " Zao Wou-Ki, Abstract Lithograph Mid-century Print

Zao Wou-Ki
"Hommage a Nobutaka Shikanai, " Zao Wou-Ki, Abstract Lithograph Mid-century Print, 1991

H 31 in W 23.5 in
ZAO WOU-KI - L’encre, l’eau, l’air, la couleur. Encre de Chine et aquare
By Zao Wou-Ki
Located in BRUCE, ACT
ZAO WOU-KI (1920-2013) and Philippe DAGEN (born in 1959). L’encre, l’eau, l’air, la couleur. Encre de Chine et aquarelles 1954 - 2007. Paris : Albin Michel. 2008. In-folio (455 x ...
Category

1980s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Lithograph

ZAO WOU-KI - L’encre, l’eau, l’air, la couleur. Encre de Chine et aquare
ZAO WOU-KI - L’encre, l’eau, l’air, la couleur. Encre de Chine et aquare

Zao Wou-Ki
ZAO WOU-KI - L’encre, l’eau, l’air, la couleur. Encre de Chine et aquare, 1980

H 16.97 in W 22.25 in
Untitled
By Zao Wou-Ki
Located in Paris, FR
Etching and aquatint, 1994 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 26/99 Publisher : Heede & Moestrup Printer : Lacourière et Frélaut, Paris Catalog : [Agerup n°379] 71.50 cm...
Category

1990s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Untitled
Untitled

Zao Wou-Ki
Untitled , 1994

H 28.15 in W 22.64 in
Composition IV, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract
By Zao Wou-Ki
Located in London, GB
This original etching and aquatint in colours is hand signed in pencil by the artist ""Zao Wou-Ki"" in Chinese and Pinyin at the lower right margin. It is hand numbered in pencil fro...
Category

1970s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Composition IV, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract
Composition IV, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract

Zao Wou-Ki
Composition IV, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract, 1972

H 20.48 in W 13.78 in
Composition V, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract
By Zao Wou-Ki
Located in London, GB
This original etching and aquatint in colours is hand signed in pencil by the artist ""Zao Wou-Ki"" in Chinese and Pinyin at the lower right margin. It is hand numbered in pencil fro...
Category

1970s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Composition V, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract
Composition V, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract

Zao Wou-Ki
Composition V, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract, 1972

H 20.48 in W 13.78 in
Composition II, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract
By Zao Wou-Ki
Located in London, GB
This original etching and aquatint in colours is hand signed in pencil by the artist "Zao Wou-Ki" in Chinese and Pinyin at the lower right margin. It is hand numbered in pencil from ...
Category

1970s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Composition II, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract
Composition II, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract

Zao Wou-Ki
Composition II, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract, 1972

H 20.48 in W 13.78 in
Composition I, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract
By Zao Wou-Ki
Located in London, GB
This original etching and aquatint in colours is hand signed in pencil by the artist "Zao Wou-Ki" in Chinese and Pinyin at the lower right margin. It is hand numbered in pencil from ...
Category

1970s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Composition I, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract
Composition I, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract

Zao Wou-Ki
Composition I, from: Canto Pisan - Chinese French Canto Literature Abstract, 1972

H 20.48 in W 13.78 in
Composition XI, from: In Honour of the Picture and of Poetry - Chinese Abstract
By Zao Wou-Ki
Located in London, GB
This original lithograph in colours is hand signed in pencil by the artist "Zao Wou-Ki" in Chinese and Pinyin at the lower right margin. It is dated “76” [1976] next to the signatur...
Category

1970s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Lithograph

Composition XI, from: In Honour of the Picture and of Poetry - Chinese Abstract
Composition XI, from: In Honour of the Picture and of Poetry - Chinese Abstract

Zao Wou-Ki
Composition XI, from: In Honour of the Picture and of Poetry - Chinese Abstract, 1976

H 19.69 in W 29.93 in
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Zao Wou-ki art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Zao Wou-Ki art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of purple, blue, orange and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Zao Wou-Ki in lithograph, etching, aquatint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Zao Wou-Ki art, so small editions measuring 10 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Karel Appel, Howard Hodgkin, and Sol LeWitt. Zao Wou-Ki art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $539 and tops out at $52,700, while the average work can sell for $5,975.

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