Zao Wou Ki Appraisal

Original Lyrical Abstraction Painting by Zao Wou-Ki

This item is an original work of art attributed to the Chinese-French modern master Zao Wou-Ki. The piece is a quintessential example of the Lyrical Abstraction movement, blending traditional Chinese ink aesthetics with Western expressive techniques. Executed on what appears to be a heavy paper or light canvas support, the composition features a warm, ochre-toned background populated by calligraphic gestural strokes and ethereal washes of color, primarily in deep blues, greens, and subtle red accents. The mark-making suggests a sense of rhythmic movement and cosmic depth, hallmark traits of Wou-Ki's mid-to-late 20th-century style. Physically, the work is displayed within a modern black gallery frame with a substantial neutral-toned mat board, which provides a protective buffer. The visible condition shows a well-preserved surface, though some minor undulations in the substrate are noted, which is common for works on paper. The craftsmanship reflects elite mastery of fluid media, showing delicate layering and transparent glazes that interact with the grain of the surface. While specific signatures are partially obscured or integrated into the abstraction in this low-resolution view, the provenance as an 'oeuvre originale' suggests a significant historical and market value within the category of Post-War and Contemporary art.