Zao Wou-Ki (Zhao Wuji, 1920-2013), 17.3.63, oil on canvass, 130 x 97.2. Painted in 1963. Estimate: HK$70,000,000-90,000,000/ US$9,000,000-12,000,000). © Christie's Images Ltd 2025.

HONG KONG.- Christie's will present the auction debut of Zao Wou-Ki's 17.3.63 (estimate: HK$70 – 90 million / US$9 – 12 million) as a leading highlight of the 20th/21st Century Evening Sale on 26 September in Hong Kong, taking place live at Christie's Asia Pacific headquarters at The Henderson. A 'Hurricane Period' masterpiece, 17.3.63 stands out for its rare, incandescent red colour palette. Created during Zao Wou-Ki's rise to global prominence in the early 1960s, 17.3.63 featured in the artist's first retrospective at Museum Folkwang in Essen in 1965.

Kevin Ching, Chairman, Asia commented: “We are honoured to present 17.3.63, the first time the work has ever appeared at auction. This is a timeless modern masterpiece from the height of Zao Wou-Ki's most coveted period, appealing to a global market that prizes works of outstanding quality. It embodies the artist's signature synthesis of Eastern and Western aesthetics, combining the vigour of Chinese cursive script with the intensity of a Western colour palette. Offering this work for auction underpins Christie's market leadership in 20th century art.”

Jacky Ho, Senior Vice President, Deputy Head of Department, 20th and 21st Century Art, Christie's Asia Pacific commented: “Created at the peak of Zao Wou-Ki's artistic journey, 17.3.63 stands as a powerful testament to his mastery of abstraction. Its vivid shades of red generate a striking visual impact and convey a powerful sense of movement. Following acclaimed retrospectives at the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris and the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, Zao Wou-Ki's profound influence on the global narrative of abstract art continues to resonate. In tribute to his enduring legacy, we are proud to present 17.3.63—a museum-quality masterpiece that exemplifies the artist's visionary approach and emotional depth.”

The artist only created 19 blazing red paintings of a comparable size or larger in the 1960s. This particular work is one of the remaining eight that have not yet been auctioned. 17.3.63 adopts the classic vertical composition characteristic of the 'Hurricane Period'. Fast-moving calligraphic brushstrokes fill the canvas from bottom to top, conveying a sense of power and showcasing the artist's creative passion and confidence at a peak in his career. The work masterfully manifests light and shadow, symptomatic of Zao Wou-Ki's move to a larger, glass-ceilinged studio in Paris in the early 1960s – the abundance of natural light in the space significantly impacted his work.

The early years of the 1960s marked the artist's ascension to international recognition. His works were exhibited at Kootz Gallery, New York; Galerie de France, Paris; and the 1961 Tokyo Biennale. Major institutional exhibitions of Zao Wou-Ki are being held to this day. In 2024, the China Academy of Art, Hangzhou concluded its acclaimed retrospective. This year, Hong Kong's M+ Museum will host Zao Wou-Ki: Master Printmaker, an exhibition that explores the artist's creative journey and his prints.