Blue Willow (Le Saule)
Painting on canvas • T'ang Haywen (Tseng Hai-wen)
Style & Movement
Lyrical Abstraction, Zao Wou-Ki school, mid-century Modernism with Chinese influence.
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; utilize flat application of color and rhythmic calligraphic linework for the branches and foliage.
Creation Period
circa 1980s-1990s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 100 x 100 cm; square format.
Subject Description
A weeping willow rendered in black silhouette against a vibrant, saturated deep blue background. The composition emphasizes the elegant, drooping curves of the branches, evoking a sense of melancholic serenity and rhythmic movement common in ink-wash traditions.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; surface appears stable with consistent pigment saturation and no visible structural damage.
Estimated Market Value
$150,000 - $250,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$120,000 - $180,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely from a private French or Hong Kong collection; T'ang Haywen spent much of his career in Paris after moving from China.
Art Historical Significance
T'ang Haywen is a central figure in the movement of Chinese artists in Paris (Ecole de Paris), bridging Eastern Taoist philosophy with Western abstraction alongside peers like Zao Wou-Ki and Chu Teh-Chun.
Notable Features
The use of a bold monochrome background combined with traditional calligraphic motifs showcases the artist's unique synthesis of ink painting and western oil techniques.
Condition Issues
Minor potential surface dust or light scuffing consistent with age; no visible craquelure or pigment loss.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a climate-controlled environment with UV-protective glazing; avoid direct sunlight to preserve the intensity of the blue pigment.