Zhang Daqian
Chang Dai-chien [Zhang Daqian] (1899-1983) was a native of Sichuan Province. His original given name “Chuan” was later changed to “Yuan”, while his childhood name Chi was later incorporated into his studio name Chi-yuan. He took the religious name Dai-chien upon becoming a Buddhist monk, and after returning to the laity he called himself Dai-chien chu-shih or "Lay believer Dai-chien."
At the age of 21 he studied under Tseng Hsi and Li Jui-ching. Taking Shih Tao and Pa-ta Shan-jen as his starting point, he sought out as many paintings by famous artists of past centuries as he could to copy. Beginning with an impressionistic style and progressing to meticulous brushwork, he developed the ability to move between these techniques with complete master.
In 1941, he traveled to DunHuang where he had long craved for. He planned for 100 days in Dunhuang for investigation and research, but was deeply attracted by the frescoes here. Therefore, he spent two years and seven months copying these wall paintings. Here, he studied traditional coloration and line drawing methods, being particularly moved by the grand scale and complex layout of the high Tang style. The sumptuous splendor of high Tang art inspired him with the desire to create great art. He copied over 200 pieces of frescoes during these two years and brought them back to Chengdu for an exhibition in the autumn of 1943.
Chang Dai-chien have attached great importance to the protection of the Gogao Grottoes and have done much work on it. In 1941, he talked to a senior official of the former National Government and mentioned to him the value of the Gogao Grottoes and the severe loss of the historical relics. He suggested that a protection institute should be established and this suggestion was adopted. In March, 1943, the National Dunhuang Art Research Institute Organizing Commission was established.
Editor: Jiang Haiwen
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