Preliminary identification

Tyrus Wong Mid-Century Lithograph, 'Winter Fisherman'

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a beautiful mid-century lithograph by the legendary artist Tyrus Wong, featuring a serene winter landscape with a lone fisherman in a boat. The print is presented in its original period frame with a distinctive burlap matting, which was highly popular in mid-century modern interior design. It showcases Wong's signature blend of traditional Chinese brush painting techniques with Western modernism.

Story

Tyrus Wong, a Chinese immigrant who faced intense discrimination, became the lead artist for Disney's 1942 classic 'Bambi'. His atmospheric, poetic style defined the film's look, but he was fired before its release. Decades later, his mid-century commercial prints brought his genius directly into thousands of American living rooms.

Maker / Origin

Tyrus Wong (1910–2016) was a visionary Chinese-American artist, animator, calligrapher, and kite maker. After his groundbreaking but uncredited work on 'Bambi', he worked as a production illustrator for Warner Bros. for over two decades. In his later years, he was finally recognized as a Disney Legend and celebrated as one of the most influential Asian-American artists of the 20th century.

Condition & Value

The print appears to be in good vintage condition with some light, expected toning to the paper. The original wood frame shows minor scuffing and wear consistent with age. The burlap matting shows some light fading but remains intact. Excellent preservation of the original framing elements adds to its vintage appeal.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.