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Zhang Daqian
Developing luminous splashed-ink landscapes after mastering traditional Chinese painting.
Dunhuang studies · Splashed-ink landscapes
- Born
- 10 May 1899
- Birthplace
- Neijiang, China
- Died
- 2 April 1983
More people
Zhang Daqian
Zhang Daqian was a Chinese painter whose career connected classical brushwork with experimental colour. He lived across Asia, South America and the United States before settling in Taiwan.
Early life
Artistic family
Grew up in Sichuan in a family interested in art.
Japan
Went to Kyoto to study textile dyeing before returning to China.
Career
- 1919
Shanghai
Returned to China and developed his painting career.
- 1930s–1940s
Historical study
Taught and studied Buddhist cave paintings.
- 1950s–1960s
International life
Lived abroad and developed his splashed-ink approach.
- 1978
Taiwan
Settled in Taipei late in life.
Selected work
Dunhuang studies
Copied and studied Buddhist mural painting.
Splashed-ink landscapes
Combined broad colour washes with traditional brushwork.
Mount Lu
Worked on a monumental late landscape.
Beyond work
Gardens
Created gardens at his overseas homes as settings for life and painting.
Animals
Kept a pet gibbon, an animal that also appears in Chinese painting traditions.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Biography and contributions ↗Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.