ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983)
Hermitage amid Cloudy Mountains
Scroll, mounted on woodboard and framed, ink and colour on paper
32.3 x 64.1 cm. (12 ³⁄₄ x 25 ¹⁄₄ in.)
Inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artist
Dated twelfth month, gengxu year, fifty-nine year (of the Republic, 1970)
Dedicated to Gengshun and Madam Ruiai

Acquired directly from the artist as a gift, and thence by descent.

Kang-Shun Liang and Rio Lin Liang (Ruiai Lin) lived in California for many years. Mr. Liang operated a Chinese restaurant in Carmel, California, while Mrs. Lin taught Mandarin at the Defense Language Institute. During Zhang Daqian’s years in California, the Liangs became close friends of the artist and provided considerable assistance to the Zhang family upon their arrival on the Monterey Peninsula. The two families maintained a close and enduring relationship, and the Liangs were frequent guests at gatherings and dinner parties hosted at Zhang Daqian’s residence. According to family recollections, Mr. Liang also assisted Zhang in acquiring ornamental scholar’s rocks for his garden, while the couple remained actively involved in the artist’s social and cultural circle for many years.

This group of works was acquired directly from the artist and dedicated to the Liangs. Preserved by the family ever since, these works not only reflect Zhang Daqian’s close friendships during his American years, but also bear witness to the enduring relationship between the Liang and Zhang families.