Zhang Daqian "The Condor" shots shocked the audience with a price of 23.52 million yuan
Following the excitement of two and a half years of anticipation, the "Private Collection of Modern Important Paintings from Major Overseas Collections" auction took place on the 6th at 1:30 PM, marking the fifth anniversary of the 2010 Beijing Art Festival. After hours of intense bidding, all the pieces were sold at prices far exceeding expectations. Among them, Lot No. 1273, Zhang Daqian’s "The Condor Map," started at 2.8 million yuan and, after over a dozen rounds of fierce competition between two major collectors, eventually reached an impressive final price of 23.52 million yuan. One collector was still on the phone during the bidding, showing just how highly this piece was valued.
Details of the collection include:
**Inscription:**
"The residual galaxy is high in days of frost, and the sky is full of clouds. The fox rabbit whistles, Huo Ran hits nine. Everyone is making every effort to hide and hide. Grabbing according to Eyre Cao, slaves, knees and cheeks are not working. Take a look at God’s lord Fang Tianjun, and he is greedy and flamboyant. In order to make the East China Sea free from waves, we must keep it cool and clear. To Rouren brother and family are two. Jia Shen Chunri, Daqian Zhang and the title."
**Seal Print:**
"Zhang Yin's private seal, 3,000 Daqian, Da Qian Hao Fa, Da Feng Tang engraved: Since the twentieth year, I served as a privileged magistrate, built and formed the Air Force, dismal business, and grand regulations. Since the Air Force is relying heavily on Diane to fight against enemy forces, I am airborne on the Brigade’s affiliation and I am fortunate enough to have fewer comrades. Really due to the influence of Heuhe Natura, it was established by the Aviation Committee and the tenth anniversary of the Air Force, which was presided over by the Chinese public. It also dedicated the Condor map, used boxing, and celebrated. To the princess. In the early summer of the 33rd, Wan Linlin, chief of the aviation special brigade, led all officers and soldiers. (Zhang Daqian)"
**Remarks:**
This piece, titled "Impression of Beixian Xishan Shenxiu Map," was created in 1946. That same year, Zhang Daqian acquired Dong Yuan’s masterpiece "Xiaoxiang Chart" in Shanghai. Renowned painter and appraiser Xie Zhiliu once praised another of Zhang’s works, "Imitation of Beiyuan Landscape," saying, “Bing Bing was a 184-year-old. This figure also has both the Yellow Crane Mountain. Covered the Yellow Crane Mountain and Beiyuan, a family is also.†Xie believed that Zhang Daqian not only captured Dong Yuan’s brushwork but also embodied the spirit of Huang Heshan and Wang Meng. His assessment was extremely high. Although this work is a fan-shaped sketch, it clearly reflects Zhang Daqian’s mastery of brush techniques. Throughout history, Chinese landscape paintings have been rooted in traditional styles, gradually evolving into personal expressions. As Jin Dayu once said, “In the midst of the cold, there is only one day: Jin Dayu’s claws are not a common material.â€
Zhang Daqian’s "The Condor Map" showcases his deep understanding of figures, landscapes, flowers, birds, insects, and animals. His meticulous technique is unparalleled. However, depicting eagles as the central subject is rare in his oeuvre. The size and scale of this painting make it unique and extraordinary. It was gifted to Zhou Zhirou, the commander of the KMT Air Force, as a symbol of good wishes for aviation. Like the condor, it soars between heaven and earth with powerful wings and superior strength. By capturing the eagle in flight, Zhang Daqian paid tribute to Zhou Zhirou, who was known for his anti-Japanese efforts. In the same year, it marked the tenth anniversary of the KMT Aviation Committee.
"The Condor Map" is a bold and magnificent work. It integrates flowers, birds, and landscapes, with detailed depictions of various creatures. The style is bold and unrestrained, with the hawk appearing lifelike and full of energy. The composition is elegant, surprising, and reaches the artistic level of "can be as good as creation." Zhang Daqian used ink skillfully, creating eagles that exude vitality and expressiveness. His art is deeply individualized. When looking at Zhang Daqian’s paintings, one can sense his pursuit of brushwork beyond mere representation, seeking emotional depth and spiritual resonance.
He emphasized the concept of "not likeness," echoing the views of Shi Tao: "If you want to be more like it, you are not like it, you are really angry, and you are not in position." Zhang Daqian also admired Wu Changshuo’s idea that "the painting must be based on the idea, not on the visual form."
Zhang Daqian traveled to Dunhuang in 1941 and returned in 1943, arriving in Chengdu in November. "The Condor Map" was painted in the spring of 1944, marking the beginning of his mature style and a new artistic height. At this stage, his flower-and-bird paintings retained the early influences of Chen Hao, Xu Wei, and Badashanren while incorporating the vibrant colors and forms of Dunhuang murals. In this painting, the rocks and mountains are strong and majestic, harmonizing perfectly with the surrounding clouds. The hawk’s eyes are sharp, its claws precise, and its posture dynamic, as if ready to challenge the sky.
Finally, it is worth noting that this painting was originally owned by Mr. Xu Zhantang, a renowned Hong Kong collector and one of the "Top Ten Chinese Cultural Relic Collectors in the World." His collection is highly regarded in the art world.
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