Oracle bone abstract makes auction debut

Ti Gong

“Untitled,” by Zao Wou-Ki (1921-2013) will be a highlight at Sotheby’s Modern Art Evening Sale in Hong Kong on March 31. Coming directly from the collection of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the work created in 1958 will make its auction debut more than six decades after its creation, carrying an estimate of HK$60-80 million (US$7.7-10 million) and with the proceeds to benefit the museum’s art fund.

Oracle bone inscriptions are the most ancient form of Chinese characters dating back as far as 3,000 years, and are the earliest written records of the history of humanity. Prior to declaring wars or making critical decisions, ancient Chinese emperors sought guidance from the gods, either by inscribing oracles on animal bones and turtle plastrons, or by casting decrees on bronze.

Zao’s father, a banker in China, was one of the earliest collectors of oracle bones, which in turn nurtured the artist’s penchant for ancient artifacts from his childhood.

During his initial years in Paris in the 1950s, Zao published a monograph dedicated to the treasures of ancient China, which informed his painting style as it evolved into abstractionism, marking the beginning of his acclaimed “Oracle Bone” period.

In 1957, Zao embarked on a life-changing journey to the United States, where he began his collaboration with the Kootz Gallery, a gallery best known for its abstract art. His revolutionary combination of the ancient oracle bone and modern painting styles became instantly pursued by world-class museums, propelling the artist to becoming a leading Eastern figure in the golden age of abstract expressionism.

Relatively large in size, “Untitled” is an outstanding work from Zao’s “Oracle Bone” period. The modest use of colors resembles the 1,000-year-old bronze ware that withstands the test of time. Evolving from indecipherable ancient Chinese characters, the sharp and distinct brush strokes become abstract motifs that radiate a strong feeling of classical Eastern aesthetics.

First presented by the Kootz Gallery, “Untitled” remained in the collection of Judge Samuel I. Rosenman, the first White House Counsel, and his wife until 1964 when it was donated to the Guggenheim.

The work remained in the Guggenheim collection for five decades.

Another highlight at Sotheby’s Spring Auction will be “NIGOLDENEYE Vol. 1.”

Born in 1970, Nigo is a Japanese designer, music producer and creative entrepreneur. In 1993 he opened a store named “Nowhere” in Harajuku, Tokyo, and founded the popular street fashion brand “A Bathing Ape” in the same year. He sold “A Bathing Ape” in 2011 and launched a new label, “Human Made,” with Pharrell Williams, which enjoys huge success.

Nigo’s distinct taste and diverse interest have driven him to embark on various creative ventures.

He manages to create much hype in the music world as well, having owned a record label, and is currently the DJ and producer of the Japanese hip hop group “Honest Boyz.” He also serves as creative director for Uniqlo’s T-shirt brand “UT” and other Japanese companies, and is the founder of restaurant venture “Curry Up.”

Coined by American music producer Pharrell Williams, the collector’s close friend and partner, the tag Nigoldeneye manifests Nigo’s cutting-edge vision that played a critical role in street culture’s ascent into fashion and high art.

Long-time collector Nigo is renowned for his discerning eye across the realms of design, fashion, pop-culture and art. Throughout his career over the last three decades, the pioneering entrepreneur collaborated with artists such as Kaws, Futura and Stash prior to street culture entering the mainstream, and furthermore engineered game-changing crossovers between street art, pop iconography and fashion brands long before collaboration was a common mode of creation.

In honor of Nigo’s visionary instincts, “NIGOLDENEYE Vol. 1” will present over 30 artworks and collectibles, including rare prototypes, special limited edition merchandises and collectibles from commissioned and collaborative projects.

The auction will take place on April 1 during Sotheby’s Hong Kong Spring Sale series at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Ti Gong