Sanyu Appraisal

Sanyu Style Seated Nude Figure

This artwork depicts a stylized seated nude figure, executed in a manner consistent with the works of Chang Yu, professionally known as Sanyu. The composition features a central figure rendered with bold, thick black outlines that emphasize the simplified, rounded anatomical forms. The color palette is restricted and earthy, primarily utilizing shades of ochre and tan for the figure's skin, set against a pale celadon or light green background. The physical medium appears to be pigment on board, as noted by the supplementary context. The figure is shown from the back/side, with a distinctive emphasized hip and thigh structure that is a hallmark of Sanyu's mid-century aesthetic. A small square red or dark stamp, possibly a seal, is visible in the lower left corner of the central image area, suggesting an artist's mark. The central rectangular image is inset within a large, neutral tan border and protected by a thin black contemporary frame. The condition appears stable with no immediate signs of flaking or moisture damage, though the surface texture shows a slight sheen consistent with oil or lacquer on a rigid substrate. The piece reflects the Early Modernist style of the 1930s-1950s, blending Chinese calligraphic tradition with Parisian avant-garde sensibilities. Due to the high value and prevalence of Sanyu reproductions, authentication of the board and pigment age would be required for a formal valuation.