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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
$895
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Orchid - Screenprint of Porcelain Plate (BSN Edition, 1986)
Orchid - Screenprint of Porcelain Plate (BSN Edition, 1986)

Orchid - Screenprint of Porcelain Plate (BSN Edition, 1986)

By Zao Wou-Ki

Located in Paris, IDF

ZAO Wou-Ki Orchid Screenprint on Limoges porcelain Signed bottom centre BSN Edition, 1986 25 cm diameter Excellent condition

Category

1980s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Porcelain, Screen

Zao Wou-ki - Original Lithograph - Abstract Composition
Zao Wou-ki - Original Lithograph - Abstract Composition

Zao Wou-ki - Original Lithograph - Abstract Composition

By Zao Wou-Ki

Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH

Zao Wou-ki - Lithograph 1971 Dimensions: 32 x 24 cm Edition: G. di San Lazzaro. From the art review XXe siècle Unsigned and unnumbered as issued

Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Lithograph

The pond

Zao Wou-KiThe pond, 1972

$3,477

H 14.97 in W 11.03 in

The pond

By Zao Wou-Ki

Located in Paris, FR

Etching, 1972 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 4/26 Publisher : Editions Galanis (Paris) Printer : Bellini (Paris) Catalog : Moestrup 233 38.00 cm. x 28.00 cm. 14.96 ...

Category

1970s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Etching

Zao Wou-Ki, Untitled, from XXe Siecle, 1971
Zao Wou-Ki, Untitled, from XXe Siecle, 1971

Zao Wou-KiZao Wou-Ki, Untitled, from XXe Siecle, 1971, 1971

$1,036Sale Price|20% Off

H 12.4 in W 9.65 in

Zao Wou-Ki, Untitled, from XXe Siecle, 1971

By Zao Wou-Ki

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Zao Wou-Ki (1920–2013), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the album XXe Siecle, Nouvelle serie, XXXIIIe Annee, No. 37, Decembre 1971, originates from th...

Category

1970s Surrealist Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Lithograph

Zao Wou-ki - Original Lithograph - Abstract Composition
Zao Wou-ki - Original Lithograph - Abstract Composition

Zao Wou-ki - Original Lithograph - Abstract Composition

By Zao Wou-Ki

Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH

Zao Wou-ki - Original Lithograph 1962 From La tentation de l’Occident Dimensions: 39 x 28.5 cm Publisher: Les Bibliophiles Comtois Edition of 170 Reference: Jørgen Ågerup 137 - 146...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Lithograph

Blue Rythms (Agerup 188)  after the 1966 painting, Peinture.
Blue Rythms (Agerup 188)  after the 1966 painting, Peinture.

Blue Rythms (Agerup 188) after the 1966 painting, Peinture.

By Zao Wou-Ki

Located in Fairlawn, OH

Blue Ruthms (Agerup 188) after the 1966 painting, Peinture. Etching with aquatint, 1968 Signed, dated and numbered in pencil (see photos) Edition: 95 (74/95) Plate: 17 1/2 x 21 1/2" ...

Category

1960s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Aquatint

1981 original illustrated book by Zao Wou-Ki titled "Beauregard"
1981 original illustrated book by Zao Wou-Ki titled "Beauregard"

1981 original illustrated book by Zao Wou-Ki titled "Beauregard"

By Zao Wou-Ki

Located in PARIS, FR

The 1981 original illustrated book titled "Beauregard" represents a remarkable collaboration between two artistic giants: Zao Wou-Ki, the renowned Chinese-French painter and printmaker, and Philippe Jaccottet, the celebrated Swiss poet. This limited edition work is numbered 105 out of 120 on vélin d’Arches paper and is notable for its blend of literary and visual artistry. Zao Wou-Ki: The Artist Zao Wou-Ki (1920–2013) was a master of lyrical abstraction, combining Eastern calligraphic traditions with Western modernist movements. His work often evokes a sense of fluidity and balance between abstract landscapes and inner emotional states. By the time of this collaboration, Zao Wou-Ki had already established himself as a leading figure in the international art world, particularly known for his prints and engravings, which brought his dynamic style to the intimate scale of the book. In "Beauregard", Zao Wou-Ki contributed five gravures, showcasing his expertise in etching and aquatint techniques. These illustrations are not mere visual accompaniments to the text; they are integral to the book’s atmosphere, echoing the lyrical and reflective tone of Jaccottet’s poetry. The frontispiece of the book, which is signed by the artist, is particularly significant, as it captures the essence of Zao Wou-Ki’s abstract landscape motifs—inviting the reader to enter a meditative space where visual and poetic imagery merge. Philippe Jaccottet: The Poet Philippe Jaccottet (1925–2021) is revered for his quiet yet profound explorations of nature, existence, and the passage of time. His poetry often reflects a deep connection to the natural world, where landscape and language intertwine to evoke a sense of mystery and transcendence. Jaccottet’s work is known for its subtlety, clarity, and philosophical depth, qualities that make it an ideal complement to Zao Wou-Ki’s art. "Beauregard" is a poetic reflection, likely inspired by Jaccottet’s experiences and contemplations in nature, resonating with the themes of beauty, perception, and the fleeting moments of life. The collaboration with Zao Wou-Ki enhances the reader’s experience, as the abstract gravures create an emotional and visual resonance with the poetry, leading to a rich, multi-sensory engagement with the text. Production and Printing This finely crafted edition was printed with meticulous attention to detail. The typography was handled by Robert Blanchet, a noted French typographer, ensuring that the text’s presentation matched the elegance of Jaccottet’s poetry and Zao Wou-Ki’s artwork. The gravures were printed by the esteemed Lacourière et Frélaut workshop, renowned for its work with prominent artists of the 20th century. The atelier’s mastery in printing delicate and complex etchings allowed Zao Wou-Ki’s artwork to come alive on the page, preserving the depth and texture of his original plates. Rarity and Collectibility This edition of "Beauregard" is extremely rare, with only 120 copies printed on vélin d’Arches paper, a high-quality, smooth paper often used for fine art prints and luxury books...

Category

1980s Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Zao Wou-Ki's limited edition plate "Pierre de Ciel" crafted by Bernardaud
Zao Wou-Ki's limited edition plate "Pierre de Ciel" crafted by Bernardaud

Zao Wou-Ki's limited edition plate "Pierre de Ciel" crafted by Bernardaud

By Zao Wou-Ki

Located in PARIS, FR

In the realm of artistic alchemy, Zao Wou-Ki's limited edition plate, "Pierre de Ciel," crafted by Bernardaud, unfolds as a poetic composition in Limoges porcelain—a masterpiece that...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Porcelain

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Zao Wou-Ki Sale Prices

Sold DateSold PriceCategoryMediumCreation Year
2025$430Abstract PrintsEtching, Aquatint1996
2025$275Prints and MultiplesLithograph1975
2025$1,900Abstract Prints, Landscape PrintsLithograph1975
$895
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months
$275-$1,900
Sold price range of items in the past 12 months

Artists Similar to Zao Wou-Ki

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.