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Jul 43 min read

Sanyu: A Chinese-French virtuoso of colour and movement

Sanyu, born Chang Yu in 1895 and died in 1966, is one of the leading artists of the École de Paris. With his unique style, this Franco-Chinese painter left his mark on twentieth-century art history. His works, imbued with vibrant energy and a bold use of colour, celebrate the human body in all its splendour and sensuality.


SANYU (常玉, 1901-1966), "White Peonies", oil painting, Musée Cernuschi, Paris

From an early age, Sanyu was immersed in a world that nurtured his artistic talent. Born into a wealthy family in China's Sichuan province, he grew up surrounded by silks and shimmering colours. His father, a well-known amateur painter, taught him the rudiments of drawing and calligraphy from an early age. Attracted by shapes and nuances, Sanyu quickly established himself as an artistic prodigy.


In 1919, driven by an insatiable thirst for discovery and learning, Sanyu left his native country to settle in Paris, the bubbling capital of modern art. It was in this cosmopolitan city that he immersed himself fully in the artistic avant-garde, frequenting academies, studios and galleries.


The creative effervescence of the time fuelled his inspiration and exposed him to artistic movements such as Fauvism and Cubism. Sanyu wasted no time in forging his own style, freeing himself from convention and drawing inspiration from masters such as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.



SANYU (常玉, 1901-1966) "Nu couché de dos", circa 1920, ink on paper, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €22,000

Sanyu's works are characterised by a striking freedom of expression and a singular use of colour. Her bold, sinuous lines depict bodies in motion, often naked, imbued with vibrant sensuality and raw expressivity. The female nude, in particular, occupies a central place in her work, celebrating the beauty of the human body in all its power and fragility.


Sanyu's compositions are punctuated by vivid, intense colours, often applied in generous flat tints. They do not simply reproduce reality, but infuse the scenes depicted with a vital energy, giving the works a palpable emotional dimension.



SANYU (常玉, 1901-1966), "Panther", paper, ink, woodcut, kept at the Musée Cernuschi in Paris


Despite his undeniable talent, Sanyu did not achieve immediate recognition. His bold vision and unconventional style often baffled the critics and public of his day. It was not until the 1950s that his work began to gain popularity with collectors and art lovers.


From then on, Sanyu's success was unstoppable. His exhibitions, held in the world's leading galleries, met with great acclaim. His works, now considered masterpieces of modern art, sold for record prices at auction.


Sanyu died in 1966, leaving behind a priceless artistic legacy. His remarkably rich and diverse oeuvre continues to inspire artists and art lovers the world over. His contribution to the École de Paris, and more broadly to the history of modern art, is undeniable.


SANYU (常玉, 1901-1966) Woman with notebook, circa 1920, ink on paper, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €23,000

If you own a work by Sanyu or would like to know more about this exceptional artist, Gauchet Art Asiatique is at your disposal. Our appraisal firm, which specialises in Asian art, offers you its services for the appraisal and authentication of works by Sanyu.


Drawing on our expertise and in-depth knowledge of the art market, we can help you estimate the value of your work and advise you on the steps to take for its sale or conservation.


Do not hesitate to contact us for a free and confidential appraisal of your Sanyu work.



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