For the first time in France for 21 years, a major exhibition is devoted to the work of the Franco-Chinese artist Sanyu (1895-1966). Gauchet Art Asiatique, a consultancy specialising in Asian art, has joined forces with the Musée des Arts Asiatiques de Nice to present ‘La ligne à l'œuvre’, an exceptional exhibition featuring over one hundred previously unseen or rarely exhibited works. A large proportion of these drawings are on loan from Gauchet Art Asiatique, demonstrating its commitment to helping visitors discover the little-known treasures of Asian art. The event, which is entirely free of charge, will run from 15 February to 15 June 2025.

Born in China in 1895, Sanyu, also known as Chang Yu, is a major figure in modern art who transcended cultural boundaries. He left his native China in 1919 on a scholarship from Peking University and settled in Paris, the epicentre of art and innovation at the time. It was in the artistic effervescence of Montparnasse that he perfected his style, attending the Académie de la Grande Chaumière and rubbing shoulders with other great artists of his time.
Where others remained anchored in their cultural heritage, Sanyu chose to marry the influences of his native country with those of the West. He developed a unique style, combining the graphic rigour and delicacy of Chinese artistic traditions with the innovative approach of European art. Many of the works in this exhibition, on loan from Gauchet Art Asiatique, highlight the artist's unique ability to navigate between cultures.

Although Sanyu is renowned for his paintings, his body of drawings remains largely unknown, particularly in France. ‘La ligne à l'oeuvre’ offers an unprecedented insight into this aspect of his work, with an exhibition of over one hundred ink and pencil drawings.
These works come from a vast collection assembled during the last years of the artist's life. They were kept by Federico Cappellin, a close friend of Sanyu's in the last years of his life. This young Italian, fascinated by the artist's art, built up a unique collection by acquiring numerous works directly from him. These drawings, now held by Gauchet Art Asiatique, are for the most part unpublished and offer a privileged insight into Sanyu's creative process and inspirations.
Sanyu's drawings, most of which he created between the two world wars, capture the essence of his world: sketched portraits, studies of female nudes, and minimalist compositions that reflect a refined aesthetic. Each stroke of his pen or pencil reveals the perfect synthesis of Eastern heritage and Western modernity.
The exhibition is not confined to Sanyu's works. It places them in dialogue with those of his contemporaries, such as Matisse, Picasso and Foujita, who influenced his work and shared with him an innovative vision of art. This context enriches the visitor's experience, providing a better understanding of Sanyu's unique place in the history of modern art.

Long unknown to the general public, Sanyu is now celebrated as one of the most innovative artists of his time. His work reflects a constant quest for simplicity and balance, where each line is charged with meaning. The ‘Line at Work’ exhibition, made possible by the loan of works by Gauchet Art Asiatique, invites visitors to discover the extent of his talent and appreciate the timeless beauty of his graphic language.

Practical information
Exhibition title: The Line at Work
Dates: 15 February to 15 June 2025
Venue: Museum of Asian Arts, 405 Promenade des Anglais, 06200 Nice
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm (closed on Mondays)
Admission : free

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