Lot Essay
US$258,100-387,100
.jpg?w=1)
Details
ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983)
Lady Holding Lotus
Scroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper
112 x 44 cm. (44 x 17 1/4 in.)
Inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artist
Dated sixth month, jiawu year (1954)
According to the upper colophon, this painting is dedicated to 'Helen', who was Zhang Daqian's friend Chen Hailun (Helen Chan). Having worked as a housekeeper at an inn in Shanghai, Helen later moved to Japan and became close friends with high-ranking officials due to her friendly and sociable nature. When Zhang's head chef Chen Jianmin moved to Japan to introduce Sichuan cuisine there, he was able to obtain approval of his visa thanks to Helen's help in introducing him to the minister of foreign affairs Mr. Okumura. Helen's visit to Brazil in 1954 delighted Zhang so much that he dedicated this painting to her as a gift. The inscription of this picture, San Ba (three ba's), combined the name of old Sichuan 'ba', Badong county and Baxi county; because of their similar pronounciations, this sound represented his current home as well as his nostalgia for his native land. The lady in the painting is inspired by Zhang's study of the Dunhuang caves, and exudes a sense of elegance and grace with undertones of religious restraint and beauty.
Lady Holding Lotus
Scroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper
112 x 44 cm. (44 x 17 1/4 in.)
Inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artist
Dated sixth month, jiawu year (1954)
According to the upper colophon, this painting is dedicated to 'Helen', who was Zhang Daqian's friend Chen Hailun (Helen Chan). Having worked as a housekeeper at an inn in Shanghai, Helen later moved to Japan and became close friends with high-ranking officials due to her friendly and sociable nature. When Zhang's head chef Chen Jianmin moved to Japan to introduce Sichuan cuisine there, he was able to obtain approval of his visa thanks to Helen's help in introducing him to the minister of foreign affairs Mr. Okumura. Helen's visit to Brazil in 1954 delighted Zhang so much that he dedicated this painting to her as a gift. The inscription of this picture, San Ba (three ba's), combined the name of old Sichuan 'ba', Badong county and Baxi county; because of their similar pronounciations, this sound represented his current home as well as his nostalgia for his native land. The lady in the painting is inspired by Zhang's study of the Dunhuang caves, and exudes a sense of elegance and grace with undertones of religious restraint and beauty.
If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.