Zhang Daqian

Zhang Daqian (May 10, 1899 - April 2, 1983), whose original name was Zhang Zhengquan, later changed his name to Zhang Yuan, with the courtesy name Ji Yuan, his religious name Daqian, and his living name Dafengtang. In his early years, he also signed his pen name Cajuan. He was born in Neijiang, Sichuan, and his ancestral home is Panyu, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. He is one of the most influential artists in the Chinese painting circle in the 20th century. His artistic attainments include poetry, calligraphy, painting and appreciation, and his creative career spans tradition and modernity. In his early years, he was famous for his intensive study of ancient paintings, and his copying could almost be real. In his middle age, he went to Dunhuang to copy murals, and his painting style became more vigorous. In his later years, he pioneered the technique of splashing ink and color, pushing ink painting to a new realm. In the painting world, Zhang Daqian is as famous as Qi Baishi and Pu Xinshe, and is known as "South Zhang Bei Qi" and "South Zhang Bei Pu". Later, he settled in Taiwan with Huang Junbi and Pu Xinshe, and they were known as the "Three Crossing the Sea". His artistic activities have spread all over the world. He has held exhibitions in Paris, London, New York and other places, and met and exchanged ideas with the Western artist Picasso. He is known as the "pen of the East". His works have repeatedly achieved high prices in the art market and he is one of the most high-profile Chinese artists in the world. In addition to being famous in the art world, Zhang Daqian is also a well-known gourmet. He once said: "In terms of art, I am good at cooking, and even better at painting."