ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983)

Zhang Daqian’s Ancient Temple in Misty Mountain was created in 1967, during the pinnacle of his creativity in the splashed-ink genre. At this time, Zhang typically painted his works in portrait format to cater to an overseas audience. However, unlike his usual practice, Zhang painted the present lot as a horizontal scroll. In this unique composition dedicated to his friend Wang Shih-Chieh, Zhang applied ink splashes in varying shades to depict an undulating mountain landscape where houses and waterfalls are faintly visible and intertwined. The tree trunks are delineated with light ink strokes, while the rest of the painting is layered with ink and colour washes, creating a misty atmosphere imbued with spirit resonance.

Wang Shih-Chieh was a well-known figure in Taiwan, commemorated for his contribution to art and culture, particularly his purchase of Su Shi’s Cold Food Observance which was acquired by the National Palace Museum from Wang’s family. Zhang Daqian, Wang Shih-Chieh, and important political figures such as Chang Chun and Chiang Fu-Tsung loved to gather and share their passion for art. In 1967, Zhang Daqian gifted the present lot to Wang while he was residing in Brazil, in which the artist expressed his nostalgia for his homeland fully in the inscription.