ZHONG CHENG

  • Zhong Cheng 2015 Autumn Auction「Morden And Contemporary Art」
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    CHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983)

    Lonely Fisherman

    1946

    Ink and Color on Paper
    52.5x28.6cm

    Signed Chang Daqian Yuan, dated bingxu, the tewlfth lunar month With two seals of the artist, chang da qian, ji xiao zhai With one collector\\\'s seal, Chen Ye

    Estimate TWD 2,200,000-3,000,000
    USD 68,100-92,900
    HKD 0-0

    Hammer Price TWD 2,400,000
    USD 72,971
    HKD 562,061

Provenance：Private Collection, San Francisco Sotheby\\\'s New York, Fine Classical Chinese Paintings & Calligraphy, New York, 20 March 2014, Lot.720

Illustrated：

Exhibition：

Exposition：

In art history, Chang Daqian is an eternal legend and will always be remembered as the most prodigious Chinese artists of the twentieth century. The content and form of his creations are extended expression of glory and elegance from the past. He was a present day scholar and a classical romantic. Chang Daqian was born in 1899, during the time of political climate. When old Chinese cities were invaded by Western enemies, Chang remain unmoved by the fear that was brought upon his people. Instead, he seeks out ancient aesthetic literature with the aim to preserve the historical essence of the East by sustaining the arts of the past. Xu Beihong used the phrase “One man every five hundred years” to describe the unique significance of Chang Daqian as an individual. 

Chang Daqian was very gifted. His bold yet romantic expression was widely admired. By acquiring the wisdom of the past thousand years, Chang was able to utilize this knowledge in his own artistic interpretation. He created grand, generous gestures that spoke timeless essence conveyed only by traditional Chinese paintings. Chang Daqian’s style evolved throughout his life. His aesthetic manner was light and delicate in early years, during the middle stage of his life however, he began to explore expressions that were stronger and bolder. It was only in later years when Chang Daqian mastered the ink-splashing technique that created spontaneous abstract composition; the inspiration came from his travel to Europe and America. In 1940, Chang travelled deep into the Dunhuang dessert with one of his student. Although it was a difficult journey, the two successfully reached their destination- a cave that housed hundreds of Buddhist sculptures. Chang made the cave his home for the next two and a half years. The experience assisted him in achieving a new level of aesthetic enlightenment. Writer Gao Yang said, “Being able to reside in Dunhuang for more than two years! That in itself is an impossible and admirable achievement.” 

Since his journey to Dunhuang, Chang Daqian mastered the technique in portraying atmospheric sceneries. The work Lonely Fisherman completed in 1946, focused on precise composition within scholarly temperaments. The center of the painting was cleverly left blank to represent the abundant supply of water, from afar depicts a single sail boat progressing into the distance. The artist skillfully depicts negative space enabling a strong sense of dimension and depth. Contrary to delicate brushworks, Chang Daqian chose to use free flowing lines to portray his subjects. Thus, the work suggests a modern minimalist take on conveying traditional themes. Close up of pine trees and hills are illustrated in clear resolute details, accompanying realistic texture that can only be captured by the variation of shades. The bottom left corner of the work, stood a thoughtful scholar in isolation looking far beyond the water. The context of the work embraces East millennium culture that integrates with present day perspectives. The work is exceptional to either ancient or modern expressions; instead it is in the innovative style of Chang Daqian’s timeless aesthetics.

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