signed in pinyin and Chinese; signed in pinyin on the reverse
Executed in 1950.

The Cadby-Birch Gallery, New York
Private American Collection

New York, The Cadby-Birch Gallery, Zao Wou-Ki, November 5 – December 6, 1952

The Cadby-Birch Gallery, Zao Wou-Ki, New York, 1952, no. 1
Leymarie Jean, ed., Zao Wou-Ki, Hier et Demain, Barcelona, 1978, plate 226, p. 275
Leymarie Jean, ed., Zao Wou-Ki, Polígrafa, Barcelona, 1979, plate 226, p. 275
Leymarie Jean, ed., Zao Wou-Ki, Rizzoli International Publications, New York, 1979, plate 226, p. 275
Leymarie Jean, ed., Zao Wou-Ki, Cerde d'Art, Barcelona, 1986, plate 258, p. 315, illustrated in colour
Leymarie Jean, ed., Zao Wou-Ki, Cerde d✨'Art, Paris, 1986, plate 258, p. 315, illustrated in colour

This work is in good condition overall. There is evidence of pinholes, light wear and abrasion along the edges of the painting. There is no evidence of restoration under UV.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Archives Zao Wou-Ki.

In Ships in Moonlight, Zao Wou-Ki uses a palette knife and simple brushstrokes to paint sailing ships surrounded by rugged and steep mountains on a monochrome canvas. The change of green in tone and shade triumphantly creates an air of mystery. A standing man at the bottom right corner is waving, as if he is seeing someone off on a long trip and wishing him good luck. In this painting, Zao vividly conveys the memory of leaving his family and hometown to travel on an ocean boat to Paris. Here, the sinuous river adds a three-dimensional layer to the work that possesses a warm luminosity and radiance   emanating from within. As the French art critic Daniel Marchesseau once said:

"Zao Wou-Ki's work is the transmission of 'light beyond light,' which is an absolutely unique and personal expression that combines Chinese landscape paintings and Western lyrical abstraction."

In this way,♋ this moving and thought-provoking work is not only the expression in images, but also the unveiling of secrets.