Long-Lost Sanyu Painting Resurfaces for Sotheby's Hong Kong Auction After Five Decades
A previously undocumented painting by Sanyu titled 'Beijing Circus' will be featured in a Sotheby's Hong Kong auction this March. The artwork, unseen for 50 years, was acquired by an American collector in 1976 from the Locksley Shea Gallery estate sale and has remained in private hands since. It represents one of only three known oil paintings on this subject and is the largest example to ever reach auction. The painting will first be displayed publicly in Taipei on March 14-15 before moving to Hong Kong. This rediscovery offers scholars new insights into Sanyu's artistic evolution and his global impact.
Key facts
- Sanyu's painting 'Beijing Circus' was rediscovered after 50 years in private ownership
- The artwork will be auctioned by Sotheby's in Hong Kong in March
- It was purchased by an American collector in 1976 from the Locksley Shea Gallery estate
- This is one of only three known oil paintings by Sanyu on this theme
- The painting will be publicly exhibited in Taipei on March 14-15 before the auction
Entities
Artists
- Sanyu
Institutions
- Sotheby's
- Locksley Shea Gallery
Locations
- Hong Kong
- Taipei
- Minneapolis
- Beijing