China's National Museum displays Zhang Daqian's masterpieces

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Zhang Daqian, one of the 20th century's greatest Chinese painters, is the focus of a recently opened exhibition at the National Museum of China.

Many of the prolific painter's works have sold for sky-high prices in recent years, which have helped arouse more public interest in his art.

From elaborately detailed paintings, to free-hand brush works, mural imitations and seals, more than a hundred works of art from the late master are on display. The exhibition is co-curated by China's National Museum, the Sichuan Museum and Rong Bao Zhai Gallery.

The art works are divided into five sections, namely: "Creations based on Learning from Ancestors"; "Copying Murals of Dunhuang Grottoes"; "The Master's Own Collections"; "Daqian and his Friends"; and "Daqian's Seals." They include signature works of art from Zhang's various artistic periods.

Zhang Daqian's paiting. /CGTN Photo

During the 1940s, Zhang Daqian spent three years in China's Northwestern Dunhuang, copying the frescoes of the Mogao Grottoes. The experience was key to his future artistic achievements.

The most impressive piece is a 9 x 3.5 meter canvas. It is the largest of all of Zhang's copies of the murals, and it's the first time that the painting has been shown in full.

He copied a total of 276 murals. Many of them have been exhibited in other countries, including Japan and France. They provide an opportunity for foreigners to know more about the history and development of China's Dunhuang art.

The master's seal artworks are also on display. The seals attest to Zhang's wide range of artistic capabilities.

Zhang Daqian's paiting. /CGTN Photo

Visitors can also see some ancient masterpieces that Zhang collected, which include a Qing dynasty landscape painting by Shi Tao.

When he was alive, Zhang lived abroad for many years. The experience allowed him to combine the best of both western and eastern aesthetics, and helped him create a unique style based on Chinese ink-splash paintings.

Zhang's works not only showcase his strong skills in Chinese traditional painting, but also his devotion to innovation and developments in art.

The exhibition at The National Museum will run until March 4.