When Zhang Daqian and Pablo Picasso met in 1956, the media hailed it as the meeting of East and West. In the 21st century, the two met numerous times as competitors for collectors' attention on the auction blocks of the leading houses. They became the world's top selling artists. On Saturday, September 17, six of Zhang Daqian’s works come to the podium in New York at Gianguan Auctions, 39 W. 56th Street.

     The works span the artist's many styles, from detailed portraits to bold and expressive splashed-ink landscapes.They range in value from $8,000 to $600,000, with the majority of lots falling into the $20,000-$150,000 range. The paintings are inscribed and bear artists seals. Some carry frontispieces and colophons by prominent people.  

     Among the highlights is “Lotus,” an ink and color on gold flecked paper. It is a masterful rendition of muddy lotus stems culminating in brilliant blossoms with unusual blue centers. The mid-20th century hand scroll has a frontispiece by Song Wenzhi  and colophons by Xie Zhiliu, Song Wens and Xiao Ping.  “Lotus” (Lot 169) is valued at a high of $280,000.

     “Waterfall” (Lot 181) is from the artist’s later career. It is a work in acrylic, a medium to which Zhang Daqian was introduced on one of his visits to New York. The painting is done in ink smash, making among the most sought after of the artist’s oeuvre. Dated 1980, the hand scroll is inscribed and signed Yuan, with two artist seals. It takes the day’s high estimate.

     Anchoring the collection is “Beauty,” a 1941 portrayal of a woman holding a bamboo branch. It is inscribed and signed Daqian, Zhang Yuan, and has four artist seals. It is Lot 204 and carries a high estimate of $30,000.

    Zhang Daqian left China permanently in 1949. With homes in Argentina, Brazil, California and Taiwan, he absorbed many experimental techniques but always maintained a recognizable style.

     Scholars estimate he produced, on average, five hundred works a year. Many were gifted in the Chinese manner of guanxi—or social reciprocity. The Director of Gianguan Auctions, Kwong Lum, has historical ties with Zhang Daqian, having hosted him in New York.

     For details on the paintings by Zhang Daqian in Gianguan Auctions September 17 sale, please visit www.gianguanauctions.com.  Details and condition reports may be obtained by contacting the Gallery Director at 212- 867-7288 or info@gianguanauctions.com. Preview currently running.