Zao Wou-Ki was born into a cultivated family that descended from the Song Dynasty. His father strongly encouraged his artistic aspirations. He started to learn the classical Chinese techniques of calligraphy and ink painting at the age of 10.

When he was 14 years old, he entered the Academy of Fine Arts in Hanghzou, where he studied with Chu Teh-Chun and Wu Guanzhong.

Zao Wou-Ki learned the Western oil techniques by studying French magazines, and developed a passion for Cézanne, Matisse and Picasso, whose style he tried to copy.

In 1947, encouraged by his father, he took a boat to Paris with his wife, the artist Lalan. They visited the Louvre as soon as they arrived and finally saw the paintings he had admired in the magazines.

He discovered Paul Klee’s art that had a great influence on his work. This interest in Paul Klee was the turning point when Zao brought together his artistic Chinese heritage and the European artistic culture.