ZHANG DAQIAN (CHANG DAI-CHIEN, 1899-1983) | Self Portrait with a Tibetan Mastiff

titleslip by the artist. Annotation on painting and brocade cover by the owner of Chai Sian Kwan Collection, and with one seal of his

Previously from the Dafengtang Collection
Previously from the Chai Sian Kwan Collection

Taipei, National Museum of History, Paintings and Calligraphy by Chang Dai-Chien, January 1983
Taipei, National Palace Museum, The World of Chang Dai-chien, September 26, 1998 to January 20, 1999
Brazil, Sao Pãulo, Musée d’Art Brésilien, China - Art des Empereurs, August 19 to November 3, 2002

The World of Chang Dai-chien, written by Fu Shen, Shi Jr Tang Press Co. Ltd., Taipei, September 1998, p.298-299
Centenary Exhibition of Zhang Daqian’s Paintings, exhibition guide, China Times Publishing Co., Taipei, September 20, 1998, p.115
A Chang Dai-chien Appears Only Once a Half-Millennium, written by Hwang Tien-tsai, Shi Jh Tang Press Ltd., Taipei, November 1998, p.241
Paintings by Zhang Daqian, Sichuan People’s Fine Arts Publishing House, 1999, p.15
The Works of Zhang Daqian II, Beijing Arts and Crafts Publishing House, June 2005, p. 343
China - Art des Empereurs, Zhang Daqian section, Musée d’Art Brésilien, Sao Pãulo, Brazil, 2002, pl.270
Chinese Famous Painters Collection - Zhang Daqian, Hebei Education Publishing House, December 2002, p.199
Zhang Daqian's Bade Garden, The Commercial Press Ltd., Taiwan, November 2003, cover
Appreciation of Zhang Daqian's Paintings, China Light Industry Press, Beijing, June 2009, p.61
My Father Zhang Daqian, written by Zhang Xinqing, Zhonghua Book Company, Beijing, March 2010, p.108

-Generally in good condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Self-portraiture is an important and recurring theme in Zhang Daqian’s paintings. Measuring 6 foot in height, Self Portrait with a Tibetan Mastiff depicts the artist garbed in robes, with a scroll in hand. Beside him is a strapping Tibetan Mastiff sporting dense black fur, both fine and lush in texture. The background of the composition is filled with rich and thickly impastoed blue ink splashes of varying gradation, forming a kaleidoscopic shimmer which serves as a stark contrast to the jet black fur of the dog, against the gold paper background. The painting remained with Zhang Daqian throughout his life.