Sotheby’s Hong Kong Spring Sale on April 18, 2021, presented ICONS: Masterpieces from across time and space, a sale brimming with works selected for their ability to inspire and captivate. This diverse auction series features everything from modern art to ancient artifacts, and from luxurious watches to fine wines, all tied together by a common thread of creative excellence and craftsmanship.
One of the standout pieces in the ICONS sale is a six-foot self-portrait by Zhang Daqian, one of the 20th century’s most significant Chinese artists. Known for both his modern impressionist and expressionist works, as well as his remarkable skill in art forgery, Zhang Daqian’s inclusion in this prestigious auction highlights his multifaceted legacy.
Born in 1899 in Sichuan, China, Zhang Daqian came from a humble background but was surrounded by artistic influences throughout his early life. He began his artistic journey at a young age, receiving his first commission at just twelve years old. At eighteen, he traveled to Kyoto to study dyeing techniques, but his artistic path soon evolved into a style that merged traditional Chinese painting with the emotional depth and expressive qualities of modern Western art.
After years of success in Shanghai, Zhang left China around 1950 to escape the political unrest. His travels took him to Argentina, Brazil, and California, where he exhibited his work extensively. In 1957, he was invited to Paris, where he showcased his art at the Musée Guimet and The Louvre. During this time, Zhang met Picasso, marking a momentous encounter between two of the greatest artists of East and West. After his years abroad, Zhang Daqian returned to Taipei, Taiwan, where he lived until his death in 1983.
The painting featured in Sotheby’s sale, Self Portrait with a Tibetan Mastiff, is one of Zhang’s most famous works. Estimated to fetch between HKD 48,000,000 and 60,000,000 ($6.18 million to $7.73 million), this self-portrait reflects Zhang’s personal image, often depicted in his works throughout his career. The painting’s vibrant background of blue ink splashes creates a dynamic contrast against a gold backdrop, with Zhang pictured in traditional scholar robes and a long beard—a reflection of his self-image.
In addition to his celebrated artistic creations, Zhang Daqian is also known for his skill in producing incredibly convincing forgeries. He replicated works from various periods of Chinese art history, displaying an exceptional ability to mimic the styles of renowned masters. His forgeries were so accurate that experts noted his deep understanding of materials—paper, ink, seals, and brushes—and how each interacted to create a sense of authenticity. Some of his forgeries even included notes detailing the specific materials he had used in the recreation process.
Zhang Daqian’s diverse talents as both an artist and a master forger ensure his place as one of the most influential figures in Chinese art of the 20th century, and this auction provides an opportunity to own a piece of his extraordinary legacy.
