Page 180 - Christie's Fine Chinese Paintings Hong Kong Dec. 1 2015

LOT 1334
FROM AN IMPORTANT PRIVATE COLLECTION

Zhang Daqian’s splashed ink techniques came into fruition while he was in Brazil at his studio, the Garden of Eight Virtues. Partially
because of his ailing eyesight, but even more so because of his innovative abilities, he began to explore the creation of magnificent
splashed ink paintings evocative of his artistic spirit.

While the 1950s was the period where Zhang Daqian began experimenting with his new splashed ink techniques, the 1970s was
the period when his techniques reached its full maturity. Dated 1979, Mountains Amidst a Sea of Clouds was created when Zhang
Daqian already had over ten years of practicing his splashed inkpainting, with the technique already becoming part of his repertoire.
Distinct from the ink-heavy paintings more commonly seen in Zhang’s works, Mountains Amidst a Sea, which depicts panoramic
views overlooking a lofty mountain scenery, is painted with blue ink of oscillating hues, resulting in a magnificent landscape of placid
refinement and natural grace. The painting features two distinctive ways to represent the panorama. Beginning from the lower right
are towering mountains, craggy hills, flowing waterfalls, clusters of pine, as well as lingering clouds, giving the viewer a sense of
closeness, as if you can walk across the hills and through the pine yourself. On the top and left is where Zhang Daqian makes use of
his splashed ink technique, with flowing shades of blue, as well as undulating clouds and mist, resulting in an invigorating landscape
that likens itself to paradise, one that can be seen but never be reached. Despite its stark contrasts, Mountains Amidst a Sea is painted
in natural harmony, exemplifying the masterful techniques that characterise Zhang Daqian’s late works.

1334 1979
1979
ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983)

Mountains Amidst a Sea of Clouds

Scroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper
68.8 x 136.5 cm. (27 ¿ x 53 Æ in.)
Inscribed and signed, with five seals of the artist and one dated seal of
jiwei year (1979)
Dated ninth month, sixty-eighth year (of the Republic, 1979)

HK$12,000,000-18,000,000
US$1,600,000-2,300,000

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