HONG KONG.- Phillips will present Zao Wou-Ki’s rare and large-scale work, 04.01.79, as a leading highlight of the 20th Century & Contemporary Art & Design Evening Sale in Hong Kong on 27 May 2018. This seminal work, measuring a monumental 250 x 260 cm, was executed in 1979 and embodies the pivotal stylistic transition from the artist’s middle to late period of abstract works. The largest painting from the 1970s by Zao Wou-Ki and among the top 10 largest by the artist to ever come to auction, 04.01.79 has never before been publicly offered. This masterwork will be unveiled in the lobby of Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong from 26 March to 1 April.

Jonathan Crockett, Head of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, Asia, and Deputy Chairman, Asia, said: “Phillips is thrilled to be entrusted with the sale of 04.01.79 by Zao Wou-Ki, one of the greatest modern Chinese masters, in our upcoming 20th Century & Contemporary Art & Design Evening Sale in Hong Kong this May. Completely fresh to the market, this large-format, exemplary work is representative of an important transition in Zao’s creative style in the 1970s. There has been tremendous demand for museum-quality works by Zao in recent years, and this magnificent painting serves to offer an unparalleled opportunity to acquire one of the most important works from the period. Aligned with Phillips’ worldwide strategy of offering modern works alongside contemporary art, and following on the success of our recent London sale of the masterworks by Picasso and Matisse, we are proud to anchor this season’s sale with this impressive masterpiece by Chinese modern master Zao Wou-Ki.”

In 04.01.79, Zao Wou-Ki perfectly captures the essence of traditional Chinese landscape painting from the Song and Yuan Dynasties, coupled with the virtues of Western painting in its use of colour and tonal contrasts between light and dark, to create an original expression in Abstraction. Zao Wou-Ki re-immersed himself in ink painting in early 1970s. The patches of black in this painting come from this ink practice. Zao created an image of implicit scenic beauty in 04.01.79, evoking the grandeur of magnificent landscapes that are punctuated by high mountains and trees, through the use of rich and soft brushstrokes as seen in an ink-wash painting.

Around the time 04.01.79 was created, Zao had fully gained control of a new stylistic endeavour and achieved a heightened state of spontaneity and calm in his painting. This can be particularly seen in this stunning masterwork, showcasing Zao’s masterful portrayal of tranquility and elegance in nature.