Sanyu (1901–1966): The “Chinese Matisse”

Biography

Sanyu 常玉, born in 1895 (or 1901 according to some sources) in the Sichuan province of China, came from a wealthy and educated family. His father, an animal painter specializing in lions and horses, introduced him early to the fundamentals of art, while his elder brother, head of the family business, supported his passion by funding his artistic education.

Sanyu first studied under the calligrapher Zhao Xi, then at the University of Shanghai, before completing his artistic training abroad first in Japan, then in Berlin, and finally in France, where he would settle around 1923.

In Paris, unlike his contemporaries Xu Beihong and Lin Fengmian, who eventually returned to China and were celebrated early in their careers, Sanyu chose to remain in France, drawn to its modern artistic vitality. This independent path though courageous resulted in delayed recognition in his home country.

He enrolled at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière, where he studied life drawing and the nude, a subject then exclusively Western. Applying the discipline of Chinese calligraphy, he repeated lines and forms until mastering their essence, creating an immediately recognizable synthesis of East and West.

By 1925, Sanyu was exhibiting at the Salon d’Automne (1925, 1928) and later at the Salon des Indépendants (1932, 1938, 1942–46, 1948, 1954–56), as well as in several Parisian galleries.

The early 1930s were a prolific period. The death of his brother ended his financial stability and began what he described as his “bohemian life.” His work, however, caught the attention of Henri-Pierre Roché (1879–1959) — the famed collector and dealer known for supporting Picasso, Duchamp, Brâncusi, Man Ray, and Dubuffet. Roché purchased over 111 paintings and 600 drawings from Sanyu, providing him both financial means and visibility.

During this period, Sanyu created numerous female nudes, distinguished by minimalist linework and lyrical sensuality works that earned him the nickname “the Chinese Matisse.” By merging the fluid simplicity of Chinese brushwork with the modern compositional clarity of Western painting, he forged an aesthetic that was both intimate and universal.

His oeuvre centers around three recurring themes: the nude, animals, and still life each treated with elegance, restraint, and meditative beauty.

Throughout his life, Sanyu moved in the intellectual and artistic circles of Montparnasse, befriending Matisse, Foujita, Man Ray, and others. Despite this, he remained modest and often overlooked during his lifetime. It was only in the 21st century that his genius was fully recognized through major retrospectives and record-breaking auction results worldwide.

Sanyu on the Art Market: Artist’s Value and Auction Estimates

Sanyu’s works, marked by minimalist elegance, refined palettes, and a profound poetic spirituality, are among the most sought-after in modern Asian art. His female nudes, floral still lifes, and stylized animals regularly achieve world-record prices.

Highlights: Works by Sanyu Sold at Aguttes

Aguttes has been chosen by two independent private collectors to organize the sale of two paintings acquired more than forty years ago — both achieving French auction records exceeding €4 million each, rivaling the top Asian sales of comparable works.

These sales reaffirmed Sanyu’s international stature, with Asian collectors dominating the bidding both in the room and by phone, turning each lot into a true posthumous tribute to the artist’s legacy.

• Sanyu 常玉 (1901–1966), Pot de fleurs ou Pivoines, circa 1930
  Oil on canvas, signed lower right, inscribed “Pivoines par Sanyu” and numbered S 342 on the stretcher, 92 × 73.5 cm — Sold for €8,797,000

• Sanyu 常玉 (1901–1966), Deux gros hortensias roses dans un vase blanc, February 1931
  Oil on canvas, signed lower left, countersigned, located Paris and dated 2.1931 on the reverse, 73 × 50 cm — Sold for €4,080,000

• Sanyu 常玉 (1901–1966), Fleurs dans un vase portant une inscription, 1930s
  Oil on canvas, signed in Chinese and French lower right, inscribed with Henri-Pierre Roché’s monogram and collection label on the stretcher, 72 × 53.5 cm — Sold for €4,080,000

Selling a Work by Sanyu

Our specialists at Aguttes conduct private valuations and expert appraisals across France and Europe, in collaboration with our regional offices.

You may submit your free and confidential valuation request including photos, detailed descriptions, and any supporting documentation via our online form or directly by email to our expert.

The department organizes an average of four annual auctions dedicated to Asian and modern art, consistently achieving world-record results.

The Aguttes Asian Painters Department

As a historical market leader for modern Asian artists, Aguttes acts as a trusted intermediary between private collectors and international buyers, guaranteeing maximum visibility and optimal results under French auction law.

The department regularly presents auctions dedicated to the greatest names in modern Asian art, including:
Lê Phổ, Nguyễn Phan Chánh, Mai Trung Thứ, Vũ Cao Đàm, Trần Văn Thọ, Phạm Hầu, and many others.

Contact our expert today for a free appraisal of your Sanyu artwork and benefit from personalized guidance from valuation to successful sale.

Vendre aux enchères une œuvre de Sanyu

Nos experts se déplacent en France et dans toute l’Europe en collaboration avec nos bureaux de représentation en région pour réaliser des estimations et expertises de vos œuvres. Vous pouvez également en amont d'un rendez-vous transmettre votre demande d'estimation accompagnée du descriptif, des photos et de tous documents disponibles relatifs à l'œuvre via le formulaire disponible en ligne, ou directement par mail à notre spécialiste.

Le département organise en moyenne 4 ventes par an.

Leader historique sur le marché des artistes venus d’Asie, Aguttes représente pour chaque vendeur particulier ou professionnel le tiers de confiance qui lui garantit l’obtention du meilleur prix et l’atteinte de records mondiaux sur un marché exigeant. Une équipe de proximité s’assure du paiement final de chaque œuvre dont la vente aux enchères est régie par la législation française.

Le département Peintres d'Asie Aguttes présente régulièrement des ventes consacrées aux grands artistes vietnamiens modernes : Lê Phổ, Nguyễn Phan Chánh, Mai Trung Thứ, Vũ Cao Đàm, Trần Văn Thọ, Phạm Hầu, et bien d’autres. 

Contactez notre expert pour obtenir l'estimation gratuite de votre œuvre de Sanyu