Zao Wou-ki Artwork valuations, appraisals and auction estimates

Zao Wou-Ki was born in Beijing in 1920 and obtained French citizenship in 1964.

He studied at the Hangzhou School of Fine Arts, where he taught until 1947.

Established in Paris in 1948, he participated in the Salon de Mai from 1950.

After an initial figurative period, in 1948 Zao Wou-Ki turned to Western art, adopting the lesson of Paul Klee, through large abstract compositions in the '60s and '70s. During the following decades the choice of a refined and precious abstraction is linked to the calligraphic element, typical of its culture of origin, ultimately creating an imaginary bridge between East and West.

His works are present in private collections in Europe and Asia. Read the full biography

Zao Wou-ki Biography

Zao Wou-Ki was born in Beijing in 1920 and obtained French citizenship in 1964.

He studied at the Hangzhou School of Fine Arts, where he taught until 1947.

Established in Paris in 1948, he participated in the Salon de Mai from 1950.

After an initial figurative period, in 1948 Zao Wou-Ki turned to Western art, adopting the lesson of Paul Klee, through large abstract compositions in the '60s and '70s. During the following decades the choice of a refined and precious abstraction is linked to the calligraphic element, typical of its culture of origin, ultimately creating an imaginary bridge between East and West.

His works are present in private collections in Europe and Asia. Zao Wou-ki died in Nyon in 2013 at the age of 93.