Zhang Daqian Sets HKD 370 Million Auction Record

Zhang Daqian Sets HKD 370 Million Auction Record

On April 30, 2022, at the final session of Sotheby’s Hong Kong spring sales, Zhang Daqian’s “After Wang Ximeng: A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains” sold for HKD 370.495 million, setting a new world auction record for the artist. Here is how the bidding unfolded — and why this particular painting commanded such a price.

A Master “Duels” a Young Genius

Zhang Daqian (1899–1983) was one of the greatest Chinese painters of the twentieth century, famous for studying the old masters until he could “do battle” with them. The record-breaking work takes on Wang Ximeng, the Northern Song dynasty prodigy who painted “A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains” as a teenager.

Zhang’s version, painted in January–February 1948, is considered the peak of his dialogue with antiquity. It is also his only treatment of this composition. True to its title, the work is a transformation rather than a copy: the original handscroll becomes a hanging scroll, the panoramic “three distances” perspective becomes a one-river-two-banks view, and delicate gold outlines trace the waves — a jewel-like example of his blue-green (qinglu) style, remarkably clean in condition.

The Bidding: From HKD 40 Million to a Record

Estimated at HKD 68 million, the painting opened at HKD 40 million and passed the high estimate within moments. Telephone bidders traded bids past HKD 100 million and into a fierce duel. At HKD 235 million, the auctioneer noted the price had already beaten the artist’s previous record, set by “Peach Blossom Spring.” The hammer finally fell at HKD 320 million; with buyer’s commission, the total reached HKD 370.495 million.

The sale extends Zhang Daqian’s extraordinary run: thirteen of his works have now sold for more than HKD 100 million, from “Love Lake” (Aihuan Hu) at China Guardian in 2010 for RMB 100.8 million to today’s new high.

Why It Matters to the Market

Specialists and veteran collectors read the result as a powerful signal for modern Chinese painting after several subdued years. As collector Ma Deguang put it, “quality works will always command quality prices.” Observers credit three factors: the painting’s rarity — few early blue-and-gold works of this quality have reached the market; its clear provenance, exhibition history, and distinguished former owners; and steady demand for museum-grade art even in uncertain times.

Xu Beihong, the celebrated painter and educator, once called Zhang Daqian “the one great painter in five hundred years.” That standing rests on scholarship as much as sales. If this story inspires your own collecting journey, Badou Art’s specialists are glad to help you explore commissioned works by today’s masters.

Source: https://www.cntizi.com/1727.html