ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983)

When Zhang Daqian pioneered and mastered a new style of splashed ink and colour paintings in the 1960s, he revolutionized the depiction of Chinese landscapes in abstract representation. The present painting, dated 1963, was the year Zhang held his solo exhibition at the Hirschl & Adler Gallery in New York. Most works featured in the exhibition catalogue were painted in his splashed ink technique, which became the most frequently observed style among his various artistic periods.
Splashed ink paintings possessed a more abstract and expressive composition, seamlessly blending the strengths of Eastern ink brushwork with Western aesthetics. This fusion played a pivotal role in establishing Zhang’s international reputation. In the present painting, one can appreciate the captivating infusion of ink and water, reminiscent of flowing clouds and cascading waterfalls. On the lower left, the grass and trees are depicted with bold and expressive brushstrokes in the xieyi style. Such a perfect combination of these two styles only appeared in his exhibitions in the West during this particular period.