Timeless Eastern Aesthetics 20 th Century and Contemporary Masterpieces Rooted in Tradition

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P r e s s R e l e a s e H O N G K O N G 1 N O V 2 0 1 8 F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E Timeless Eastern Aesthetics 20 th Century and Contemporary Masterpieces Rooted in Tradition ZAO WOU-KI

) Painted in 1965 HK$65,000,000-85,000,000/US$8,400,000-11,000,000 CHU TEH-CHUN (ZHU DEQUN, FRENCH/CHINESE, 1920-2014) Untitled (diptych) 195 x 243.5 cm. (76 3/4 x 95 7/8 in.

1 P r e s s R e l e a s e H O N G K O N G 1 N O V F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E Timeless Eastern Aesthetics 20 th Century and Contemporary Masterpieces Rooted in Tradition ZAO WOU-KI (ZHAO WUJI, FRANCE/CHINA, ) x 162 cm. (59 x 63 3/4 in.) Painted in 1965 HK$65,000,000-85,000,000/US$8,400,000-11,000,000 CHU TEH-CHUN (ZHU DEQUN, FRENCH/CHINESE, ) Untitled (diptych) 195 x cm. (76 3/4 x 95 7/8 in.) Painted in 1963 Estimate on request Hong Kong- On 24 & 25 November, Christie s will hold three sales for Asian 20th Century & Contemporary art comprising of one evening sale and two day sales. Presented are iconic works by masters such as Zao Wou- Ki, Chu Teh-Chun, Lin Fengmian, Wu Guanzhong, Luo Zhongli, Liao Chi-Ch un, Yu Chengyao, Wang Huaiqing, Ran In-Ting, Lee Ufan, Richard Lin, Lee Man Fong, Fernando Zóbel, Zhou Chunya and Hao Liang. This collection of works provides a vantage point from which to understand the stylistic evolution of these artists and demonstrates their remarkable blend of traditional ideas with modern aesthetics. Leading the season are four monumental abstract paintings by Zao Wou-Ki and Chu Teh-Chun, groundbreaking figures who bridged western painting techniques and Chinese tradition in a pioneering form of expression. Through their liberated and unparalleled approach, these artists have become indisputable masters of Asian 20 th Century art and their profiles among global collectors have never been more pronounced. Other highlights include a selection of figurative paintings by Chinese contemporary masters such as Zeng Fanzhi, Zhou Chunya and Luo Zhongli, a diverse display of painting styles from South East Asian artists, and iconic abstract works from pan-asian artists such Yayoi Kusama, Lee Ufan and Wang Huaiqing, showcasing the progressive lineage and vibrant artistic styles of modern and contemporary art across the continent. Eric Chang, Chairman, Asian 20th Century and Contemporary Art commented Following the success of last season s historic evening sale, an exceptional line-up of transformative works by the leading figures in Chinese art will be represented this November, responding to the increasing global demand for works from these iconic artists. By offering this selection of works, we hope to explore the timeless allure of the eastern spirit and the countless ways this influence has inspired both modern and contemporary artists as they applied their own signature techniques and interpretations.

ZAO WOU-KI AND CHU TEH-CHUN By drawing on their roots in traditional Chinese ink painting, artists such as Zao Wou-ki and Chu Teh-Chun redefined the notion of Asian art by seamlessly blending western

The reinterpretation of the aesthetic value of traditional Chinese art infused with a modern spirit has broken down cultural barriers and continues to elevate these artists to ever greater global

65 (title page left) resembles the microscopic vision of swirling water, yet arousing a macroscopic sense of the universe, while in 22.07.

An ode to the grandeur of nature, the two colossal diptychs Untitled (title page right) and N 313 (right) by Chu Teh-Chun shows the artist s mastery over complex lighting, colours and compositions.

2 ZAO WOU-KI AND CHU TEH-CHUN By drawing on their roots in traditional Chinese ink painting, artists such as Zao Wou-ki and Chu Teh-Chun redefined the notion of Asian art by seamlessly blending western influences and techniques, while staying true to their identities. The reinterpretation of the aesthetic value of traditional Chinese art infused with a modern spirit has broken down cultural barriers and continues to elevate these artists to ever greater global recognition. Drawing reference from Chinese philosophy and calligraphy, (title page left) resembles the microscopic vision of swirling water, yet arousing a macroscopic sense of the universe, while in (left) the bright yellow pallet is reminiscent of the imperial colour of China, while the forceful z-form splashes recalls the image of a soaring dragon amidst clouds. An ode to the grandeur of nature, the two colossal diptychs Untitled (title page right) and N 313 (right) by Chu Teh-Chun shows the artist s mastery over complex lighting, colours and compositions. Expansive swaths of colour are underpinned by illuminating swaths of light, leading the eye in a dance amongst the hues, and revealing Chu s distillation of the essence and visual integrity of traditional Chinese ink landscapes. ZAO WOU-KI (ZHAO WUJI, FRANCE/CHINA, ) x cm. (63 1/2 x 78 1/2 in.) Painted in 1964 ESTIMATE ON REQUEST CHU TEH-CHUN (ZHU DEQUN, FRANCE/CHINA, ) N 313 (diptych) 260 x 195 cm. (102 3/8 x 76 3/4 in.) Painted in 1969 ESTIMATE ON REQUEST ZAO WOU-KI (ZHAO WUJI, FRANCE/CHINA, ) Untitled (Golden City) 89 x cm. (35 x 45 7/8 in.) Painted in 1951 ESTIMATE ON REQUEST CHU TEH-CHUN (ZHU DEQUN, FRANCE/CHINA, ) Sombre Horizontal x cm. (51 1/4 x 76 7/8 in.) Painted in 1989 HK$12,000,000-16,000,000 US$1,600,000-2,100,000

MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY PORTRAITS BY CHINESE ARTISTS Featuring this season is a group of paintings by Chinese artists who drew on their mastery of traditional painting techniques to

In Zeng Fanzhi s monumental masterpiece I/We, we see a soul-searching dual-portrait that questions individual identity in the context of contemporary China, while in Red Hugging

In Luo Zhongli s Reconciliation, the artist uses a range of colours to breathe life in his subjects, creating a three-dimensional sense of energy and rhythm into the composition,

In this work, we witness his adeptness in traditional ink painting techniques to masterfully express the complex themes of life and death in striking fluidity and translucency.

1948) Reconciliation 160 x 200 cm. (63 x 78 3/4 in.) Painted in 1991 HK$7,000,000-9,000,000 US$900,000-1,200,000 ZHOU CHUNYA (CHINA, B. 1955) Red Hugging Lovers 250 x 200 cm.

3 MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY PORTRAITS BY CHINESE ARTISTS Featuring this season is a group of paintings by Chinese artists who drew on their mastery of traditional painting techniques to redefine contemporary artistic expression. In Zeng Fanzhi s monumental masterpiece I/We, we see a soul-searching dual-portrait that questions individual identity in the context of contemporary China, while in Red Hugging Lovers, Zhou Chunya combines techniques in Chinese ink painting with expressionist techniques to form a subject matter which is strikingly contemporary. In Luo Zhongli s Reconciliation, the artist uses a range of colours to breathe life in his subjects, creating a three-dimensional sense of energy and rhythm into the composition, which is complimented by one of the most important works The Hunter and the Transformations of Hell by rising young artist Hao Liang. In this work, we witness his adeptness in traditional ink painting techniques to masterfully express the complex themes of life and death in striking fluidity and translucency. ZENG FANZHI (CHINA, B. 1964) I/We 215 x 330 cm. (84 5/8 x 129 7/8 in.) Painted in 2004 HK$24,000,000-32,000,000 US$3,100,000-4,100,000 LUO ZHONGLI (CHINA, B. 1948) Reconciliation 160 x 200 cm. (63 x 78 3/4 in.) Painted in 1991 HK$7,000,000-9,000,000 US$900,000-1,200,000 ZHOU CHUNYA (CHINA, B. 1955) Red Hugging Lovers 250 x 200 cm. (98 3/8 x 78 3/4 in.) Painted in 1998 HK$16,000,000-26,000,000 US$2,100,000-3,300,000 HAO LIANG (CHINA, B. 1983) The Hunter and the Transformations of Hell ink and colour on silk 230 x 147 cm. (90 1/2 x 57 7/8 in.) Painted in 2011 HK$1,800,000-2,600,000 US$240, ,000 LIN FENGMIAN (CHINA, ) Opera Figures ink and colour on paper 68 x 68 cm. (26 3/4 x 26 3/4 in.) one seal of the artist HK$6,000,000-8,000,000 US$770,000-1,000,000

ASIAN ABSTRACTION A curated group of works this season by important Asian artists such as Wang Huaiqing, Yayoi Kusama, Richard Lin,

With their kinetic brushstrokes and meditative compositions, these works represent the rich cross-pollination and exchange of

WANG HUAIQING (CHINA, B. 1944) Fossil (diptych) 200 x 330 cm. (78 3/4 x 129 7/8 in.

1929) Infinity-Nets (TWQPA) acrylic on canvas 162 x 130.3 cm. (63 3/4 x 51 1/4 in.

Eight oil and aluminium on canvas 101.5 x 101.5 cm. (40 x 40 in.

4 ASIAN ABSTRACTION A curated group of works this season by important Asian artists such as Wang Huaiqing, Yayoi Kusama, Richard Lin, Lee Ufan and Fernando Zóbel explore the journey abstraction took across the different cultures in Asia. With their kinetic brushstrokes and meditative compositions, these works represent the rich cross-pollination and exchange of transformative ideas which was subtlety interpreted by each culture, producing a myriad of distinctive and recognisable artist styles. WANG HUAIQING (CHINA, B. 1944) Fossil (diptych) 200 x 330 cm. (78 3/4 x 129 7/8 in.) Painted in 2000 HK$18,000,000-25,000,000 US$2,400,000-3,200,000 YAYOI KUSAMA (JAPAN, B. 1929) Infinity-Nets (TWQPA) acrylic on canvas 162 x cm. (63 3/4 x 51 1/4 in.) Painted in 2012 HK$8,000,000-12,000,000 US$1,100,000-1,500,000 RICHARD LIN (LIN SHOW-YU, UK/TAIWAN, ) Sixty Six To Sixty Eight oil and aluminium on canvas x cm. (40 x 40 in.) Painted HK$2,200,000-3,800,000 US$290, ,000 LEE UFAN (KOREA, B. 1936) Correspondance oil, mineral pigment and glue on canvas 146 x 112 cm. (57 1/2 x 44 1/8 in.) Painted in 1999 HK$1,000,000-2,000,000 US$130, ,000 FERNANDO ZÓ BEL (SPAIN-PHILIPPINES, ) Caesata # x cm. (28 7/8 x 39 5/8 in.) Painted in 1959 HK$1,200,000-1,800,000 US$160, ,000

SOUTHEAST ASIAN MASTERS Led by an extremely rare oil painting by Raden Saleh, a diverse range of works by leading artists

Characterised by their bold and unique compositions inspired by the rich heritage of the region, leading artistic voices of

RADEN SALEH SARIEF BUSTAMAN (INDONESIA, 1807-1880) Mail Station at the Bottom of Mount Megamendung 72 x 106.5 cm.

) Painted in 1871 HK$14,000,000-20,000,000 US$1,800,000-2,600,000 AFFANDI (INDONESIA, 1907-1990) Men with Fighting Roosters 128

) Painted in 1959 HK$3,800,000-4,800,000 US$490,000-620,000 LEE MAN FONG (INDONESIA, 1913-1988) Peace Doves oil on masonite

5 SOUTHEAST ASIAN MASTERS Led by an extremely rare oil painting by Raden Saleh, a diverse range of works by leading artists capturing the vibrant expressions of culture across Southeast Asia will be offered this season. Characterised by their bold and unique compositions inspired by the rich heritage of the region, leading artistic voices of Southeast Asia such as Natee Utarit, Affandi, Lee Man Fong and Le Pho will be showcased. RADEN SALEH SARIEF BUSTAMAN (INDONESIA, ) Mail Station at the Bottom of Mount Megamendung 72 x cm. (28 3/8 x 41 7/8 in.) Painted in 1871 HK$14,000,000-20,000,000 US$1,800,000-2,600,000 AFFANDI (INDONESIA, ) Men with Fighting Roosters 128 x 99 cm. (50 3/8 x 39 in.) Painted in 1959 HK$3,800,000-4,800,000 US$490, ,000 LEE MAN FONG (INDONESIA, ) Peace Doves oil on masonite board x 218 cm. (46 1/4 x 85 7/8 in.) HK$2,800,000-3,800,000 US$360, ,000 NATEE UTARIT (THAILAND, B. 1970) Innocence is Overrated oil on linen in the artist s original frame 180 x 160 cm. (70 7/8 x 63 in.) Painted in 2012 HK$800,000-1,200,000 US$110, ,000 LE PHO (VIETNAM, ) Nostalgie (Nostalgia) ink and gouache on silk 60 x 45 cm. (23 5/8 x 17 3/4 in.) Painted in 1938 HK$1,400,000-2,200,000 US$180, ,000

NOTES TO EDITORS Asian 20 th Century & Contemporary Art Sales DATE: 24 & 25 NOVEMBER 2018 LOCATION: Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wanchai, HK PRESS

com IMAGE DOWNLOAD LINK About Christie s Christie s, the world's leading art business, had global auction, private and digital sales in the first half of 2018 that totalled 2.97 billion / $4.

6 NOTES TO EDITORS Asian 20 th Century & Contemporary Art Sales DATE: 24 & 25 NOVEMBER 2018 LOCATION: Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wanchai, HK PRESS CONTACT: Lee Bingle lbingle@christies.com IMAGE DOWNLOAD LINK About Christie s Christie s, the world's leading art business, had global auction, private and digital sales in the first half of 2018 that totalled 2.97 billion / $4.04 billion. Christie s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and international expertise. Christie s offers around 350 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Alongside regular sales online, Christie s has a global presence in 46 countries, with 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. *Please note when quoting estimates above that other fees will apply in addition to the hammer price - see Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of the sale catalogue. *Estimates do not include buyer s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer s premium and are reported net of applicable fees. # # # Images available on request FOLLOW CHRISTIE S ON:

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P R E S S R E L E A S E 2 7 S E P T E M B E R 2018 F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E CHRISTIE S HONG KONG AUTUMN SALES 23 28 NOVEMBER 2018 Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, No. 1 Expo Drive,