Fine Zhang Daqian Paintings from the Family Collection of Chong Fung Kuen (Lots 1044-1047)

ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983)

Mount Xinglong

Details

ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983)
Mount Xinglong
Scroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper
85.5 x 53 cm. (33 5/8 x 20 7/8 in.)
Inscribed and signed, with three seals of the artist

Further details

Madam Chong Fung Kuen (1930-1977), originally from Zhongshan, Guangdong, briefly attended school during her childhood. As a teenager, she experienced the hardships of the Second Sino-Japanese War. In 1948, Madame Chong migrated with fellow villagers to Hong Kong to work, primarily serving as a cook and doing odd jobs for wealthy households, which eventually led to her settling in Hong Kong.
In the 1960s, Madame Chong started working for the household of Li Zulai (1910-1986) and his wife Li Deying. At that time, The Li family resided in Glory Mansion on Macdonnell Road. He was a Shanghai native engaged in trade, with his wife managing the household. Madame Chong was responsible for taking care of their daily needs and meals, residing in the workers’ quarters of the grand apartment.
Li Zulai and Zhang Daqian were close friends, and Li assisted Zhang Daqian in organizing exhibitions in Hong Kong. Whenever Zhang Daqian visited Hong Kong, he would stay at Li’s home, and Madame Chong would take care of his daily needs and meals. Due to their long acquaintance, Zhang Daqian painted and inscribed many artworks as gifts for Madam Chong. Li Deying also had a close bond with Madam Chong, showing great affection for her and her two children, often presenting them with gifts. Some of the Zhang Daqian artworks in Madam Chong’s collection were probably gifts from Li Deying.
Madam Chong Fung Kuen passed away in 1977. Later, Li Deying placed the ashes of their beloved Pekingese, Lulu, near Madame Chong’s ashes so they could keep each other company in the afterlife. This collection of paintings was left to Madame Chong’s sister and has been passed down through the family to this day.

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Lot Essay

Mount Xinglong is located southwest of Yuzhong County, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province. It is known for its majestic scenery and is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Gansu. It has a rich historical significance, with Genghis Khan having fought here and hermits practising here during the Song Dynasty. In 1941, Zhang Daqian visited the site twice during his trip to Dunhuang and was so impressed that the landscape of the Gobi desert could look like the scenery of the South. He then created several paintings depicting Mount Xinglong. According to the inscription on this painting, the artist likely created the work in the early 1960s when he was staying at Li Zulai’s apartment.

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