ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983)

Engraved by Zhang Daqian in his early years, the “Daqian Wuzhi” pictorial seal on the lower right corner of the painting is rarely seen. Signifying boundless, limitless, and endless, “Wuzhi” encapsulates Zhang’s persistent brushwork practice, enduring creative process, and steadfast work ethic. The design of the seal resembles an elephant, and is perhaps an allusion to the Chinese character elephant (xiang) written in ancient script, which features eyes, limbs, trunk and tail. In a few simple lines, the carving knife vividly revealed the mammal’s bulky outline. Much like an elephant’s gradual, weighty steps, Zhang Daqian’s lifetime of artistic creation was resolute and momentous.