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Lot Essay
The seal mark on the base of the vase, Dafengtang, was the hallmark of Zhang Daqian (Chang Dai-chien, 1988-1983). Well-known for his accomplishments in classic as well as modernist/expressionist Chinese ink paintings, Zhang has become one of the most successful artists in the world.
This vase belonged to a group of identical vases made by the Taiwanese potter Tsai Hsiao Fang (b. 1938) around 1982, under the commission of Zhang, as souvenirs to his families and close friends. A self-proclaimed meichi, 'an addict to prunus,' Zhang's penchant for prunus is evident from the giant boulder once placed in his garden inscribed with his own inscription titled Meiqiu (Prunus hall) and the prunus trees surrounding it, as well as in his paintings, such as the one shown on the present vase. The painting and calligraphy on the body of the vase are by the artist's hand and were then transfer-printed to the surface of the vase.
An identical vase, previously in the Zande Lou Collection, and thence gifted to The Chinese University of Hong Kong, is illustrated by P. Lam in Elegant Vessels for the Lofty Pavilion, Hong Kong, 1993, no. 32. Another identical vase was sold at Christie's New York, 15 September 2017, lot 1278.
This vase belonged to a group of identical vases made by the Taiwanese potter Tsai Hsiao Fang (b. 1938) around 1982, under the commission of Zhang, as souvenirs to his families and close friends. A self-proclaimed meichi, 'an addict to prunus,' Zhang's penchant for prunus is evident from the giant boulder once placed in his garden inscribed with his own inscription titled Meiqiu (Prunus hall) and the prunus trees surrounding it, as well as in his paintings, such as the one shown on the present vase. The painting and calligraphy on the body of the vase are by the artist's hand and were then transfer-printed to the surface of the vase.
An identical vase, previously in the Zande Lou Collection, and thence gifted to The Chinese University of Hong Kong, is illustrated by P. Lam in Elegant Vessels for the Lofty Pavilion, Hong Kong, 1993, no. 32. Another identical vase was sold at Christie's New York, 15 September 2017, lot 1278.