"Abstract in Green" a watercolor painting created in 1954, is dominated by criss-crossings of symbols similar to words. Through these symbols the artist gave the work suggestibility and a sense of tragic, theatrical tension. In this field of dark green Nature, thin lines twirl and colors dance restlessly, symbolizing the sense of unrest in the garden. Perhaps the garden is abandoned, and the departure of man leaves behind only the artist's melancholy and regret. The departure of man was the departure of his father, or his own personal emotive changes; his wife Lan-Lan was about to leave as well. Zao is a sensitive artist, and his art is not only indicators of his life, but an anchor for his life as well.

Between 1955 and 1956, his problems with his wife drove him to emotive depths, and he was frequently surrounded by destructive and sorrowful emotions. However, also in this period, he created such renowned masterpieces such as "Hommage à Chu-Yuan" (1955), "Hommage à Tou-Fou" (1956), "Stèle pour un ami", "Foule noire"and others. In the early 50's his art was titled, but the titles were without narrative intent. We can say that rational thought cannot comprehend his art, and only through emotional understanding can one gain appreciation. After 1955, Zao gave up on figurative art entirely, and returned to the Chinese classics; he chose to interpret nature through Chinese philosophy, and represent it with emotive abstraction, thus continuing his exploration of a wonderful and exciting world of abstractions.