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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
$5,005
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Materials
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Hommage à San Lazzaro, Lithograph, Modern, 1975, Excellent
Hommage à San Lazzaro, Lithograph, Modern, 1975, Excellent

Hommage à San Lazzaro, Lithograph, Modern, 1975, Excellent

By Zao Wou-Ki

Located in OPOLE, PL

Zao Wou-Ki (1921-2013) - Hommage à San Lazzaro Lithograph from 1975. Dimensions of work: 35.5 x 26.5 cm. Each copy of this lithograph includes the original attached page, preserve...

Category

1970s Modern Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled Composition (Chinese, French, Ink Painting Tradition, Abstract)
Untitled Composition (Chinese, French, Ink Painting Tradition, Abstract)

Untitled Composition (Chinese, French, Ink Painting Tradition, Abstract)

By Zao Wou-Ki

Located in Kansas City, MO

Zao Wou-Ki Untitled Composition from "Ediciones Poligrafa, Barcelona at Redfern Gallery, London" Original Color Lithograph Year: 1979 Edition: 1000 Size: 10 x 7.325 inches (25.4 × 1...

Category

1970s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Lithograph

Tribute to Nobutaka Shikanai
Tribute to Nobutaka Shikanai

Tribute to Nobutaka Shikanai

By Zao Wou-Ki

Located in Paris, FR

Lithograph, 1991 Edition : 2757 ex. + 30 EA Publisher : Fuji Television Gallery (Tokyo) Printer : Art Estampe (Paris) Catalog : [Agerup 354] 75.00 cm. x 56.50 cm. 29.53 in. x 22.24 ...

Category

1990s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Lithograph

No title
No title

Zao Wou-KiNo title, 1974

$3,652

H 10.63 in W 8.27 in

No title

By Zao Wou-Ki

Located in Paris, FR

Etching and aquatint, 1974 Edition : 33/100 Publisher : Galerie de France, Paris Printer : Bellini, Paris Catalog : [Agerup 246 A, page 140] Image dimensions : 19.50 cm. x 15.50 cm. ...

Category

1970s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

À la gloire de l'image et art poétique (To the Glory of the Image and Poetic Art

À la gloire de l'image et art poétique (To the Glory of the Image and Poetic Art

By Zao Wou-Ki

Located in OPOLE, PL

Zao Wou-Ki (1921-2013) - À la gloire de l'image et art poétique (To the Glory of the Image and Poetic Art) Lithograph from 1976. Te edition 53/99 on Arches paper. Dimensions of wo...

Category

1970s Symbolist Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Lithograph

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

The 1968 original lithography by Zao Wou-Ki - Composition Agerup 183
The 1968 original lithography by Zao Wou-Ki - Composition Agerup 183

The 1968 original lithography by Zao Wou-Ki - Composition Agerup 183

By Zao Wou-Ki

Located in PARIS, FR

The 1968 original lithography by Zao Wou-Ki, titled "Composition Agerup 183," stands as a testament to the artist's extraordinary talent and unique artistic vision. With a limited ed...

Category

1960s Abstract Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

1978 Original lithograph by Zao Wou-Ki Elégie pour Jean-Mari no. 3
1978 Original lithograph by Zao Wou-Ki Elégie pour Jean-Mari no. 3

1978 Original lithograph by Zao Wou-Ki Elégie pour Jean-Mari no. 3

By Zao Wou-Ki

Located in PARIS, FR

Original lithograph Zao Wou-Ki (1920 - 2013) was a French-Chinese painter. He was a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Zao Wou-Ki graduated from the China Academy of Ar...

Category

1970s Zao Wou-Ki

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

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Zao Wou-Ki Sale Prices

Sold DateSold PriceCategoryMediumCreation Year
2026$9,500Abstract PrintsAquatint1968
2025$430Abstract PrintsEtching, Aquatint1996
$5,005
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months
$509-$9,500
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.