ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983)
Album Leaves for Huang Shiying, 1926
Two leaves, each ink and color on paper, and mounted for framing, the first of flowers, inscribed by the artist with a dedication to Shiying, dated bingyin and signed Yuan with three artist's seals Zhang Yuan, Daqian and Dashou Zhai; the second leaf a landscape, with two artist's inscriptions, the first a poetic sentiment, signed Daqian, with a seal Jiyuan, the second inscription with a dedication to Shiying, dated Bingyin, and signed Daqian Yuan, with two artist's seals, including Daqian.
11 x 14in (28 x 35.8cm), each leaf (2).
Footnotes:
張大千 歲寒二友及山水圖 設色紙本 冊頁兩幅 一九二六作

Provenance:
Acquired in Taiwan, circa 1960, through Tang Hong (1926-2018)

來源：
1960年由唐鴻（1926-2018）購於台灣

These two album leaves are both dedicated to Shiying, which likely refers to the graphic artist Huang Shiying, who shared with Zhang Daqian a thriving artistic circle in 1920's Shanghai. These two compositions illustrate a young Zhang Daqian exploring two of his major influences in traditional Chinese painting, Chen Daofu (1483-1544) and Shitao (1642-ca 1707).

Although Zhang Daqian originally was taught by his mother and sister the gongbi manner of naturalistically depicting flowers, as a young artist he transitioned to Chen Daofu's mogu 'boneless' manner, relying on color washes to capture the flower's form. Zhang Daqian deeply studied Chen Daofu's technique, with the goal of transmitting it to a 20th century audience.

In a similar vein, Shitao deeply informed Zhang Daqian's approach to painting landscapes in his formative years. Zhang Daqian's own teacher, Zeng Xi (1861-1930), was an enthusiastic proponent of Shitao's methods, and echoes of Shitao would resonate throughout Zhang Daqian's oeuvre.

Please Note: This condition report describes, but is not limited to, major condition issues with this lot.

Overall in good condition. However the narcissus leaf has foxing to the lightly toned paper.