ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983)

Zheng Defen (1902-1986), master of Yu Xue Zhai, was the former marketing manager of Hong Kong’s Kung Sheung Daily News during the 1960s. He had great expertise in Chinese painting. He was also active in the cultural circle and befriended many artists such as Zhang Daqian, Deng Fen, Li Yanshan, and Huang Junbi.
Zheng Defen assisted Zhang Daqian when Zhang stayed in Hong Kong to prepare for his exhibitions in the 1940s and 1950s, which cemented their friendship. His studio name “Yu Xue Zhai” was written by Zhang Daqian. The present work, Mount Hengshan, was a gift to celebrate Zheng Defen’s fiftieth birthday.