Gris
"Gris" by Chu Teh-chun exemplifies the artist's synthesis of Chinese ink painting traditions with European abstraction, employing a restrained palette dominated by grays and muted tones to evoke contemplative mood and spiritual introspection. The composition demonstrates Chu's characteristic gestural brushwork and atmospheric layering, where forms dissolve into soft gradations rather than asserting clear definition. This work reflects Chu's mature period when he had established himself as a bridge between Eastern and Western modernist aesthetics, creating a visual language that transcends cultural boundaries through the expressive potential of color and gesture alone.
- Signed
- Yes
- Spotted At
- Auction House · Christie's
Notes
LITERATURE P. Cabanne (ed.), Chu Teh-Chun, Cercle D'Art, Paris, 1993 (illustrated, p. 27; listed, p. 230). Q. Liao (ed.), Chu Teh-Chun, Artist Publishing Co., Taipei, 1999 (illustrated, pl.35, p. 96; listed, n.p.). P. Rémy (ed.), Chu Teh-Chun, La Difference, Paris, 2006 (illustrated, p. 85; listed, p. 390). F. Fan (ed.), Chu Teh-Chun, Taipei, Council of Cultural Affairs, 2011 (illustrated, p. 68). EXHIBITED Paris, Galerie H. Le Gendre, Peintures de Chu Teh-Chun, 16 March - 9 April 1960. Taipei, National Museum of History, Chu Teh-Chun, 3 - 22 October 1987 (illustrated, p. 30; listed, p. 23). Taipei, King Ling Art Center, Chu Teh-Chun: Exhibition Tour, 1988-1989 (illustrated, p. 62). This exhibition also travelled to Changhua County Cultural Center; Hsinchu Municipal Cultural Center; Kaosiung County Cultural Center; Keelung Municipal Cultural Center; Miaoli County Cultural Center; Nantou County Cultural Center; Taipei County Cultural Center; Taichung County Cultural Center; Tainan County Cultural Center; Tainan Municipal Cultural Center; Taitung County Cultural Center; Taoyuan County Cultural Center; Yilan County Cultural Center; Yunlin County Cultural Center. FURTHER DETAILS The authenticity of the artwork has been confirmed by the Fondation Chu Teh-Chun (https:// chu-teh-chun.org), Geneva. This work is referenced in the archive of the Fondation Chu Teh-Chun and will be included in the artist’s catalogue raisonne prepared by the Fondation Chu Teh-Chun. This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by the Fondation Chu Teh-Chun. Conditions of sale Brought to you by Emmanuelle Chan Co-Head, 20/21 Evening Sale ECHAN@CHRISTIES.COM +852 2978 6721
🔨 Auction Lot
20th/21st Century Evening Sale
March 27, 2026
Estimate: $3,800,000 – $5,500,000
Sold: $9,525,000
Lot 22
More by Chu Teh-chun (zhu Dequn, 1920-2014)
Start the Discussion
Request access to join the discussion