Lady

In 1917, Zhang Daqian went to Japan, where he learned commercial weaving, textile dyeing, and painting. In 1931, Zhang went to Japan as a representative for the "Chinese Art Show of the Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties." The artist also travelled to Japan in 1928 and 1935 respectively, proving that he had close ties with Japan. Lady , painted by Zhang Daqian in Tokyo, dated 1935 or earlier, bears an inscription stating that this work was executed in the style of Cui Daomu. "Daomu"is the zi (second name) of Cui Zizhong (c. 1595-1644); his birth name was "Dan" and his hao (pseudonym) was "Qing Qiu." Hailing from Pingdu prefecture (Shuntian Fu), this celebrated painter of the late Ming dynasty was magnificently skilled in the portrayal of ladies, mythical portraits, and Buddhist icons. Together with Chen Hongshou (1598-1652), they were acclaimed as "Chen of the South and Cui of the North", meaning they were the two greatest painters in their respective regions. This work is infused with Cui Zizhong's painting style: his longing for Tang-dynasty romanticisms were expressed along with an air of Song-dynasty literati spirit. The ink-wash speaks fluidly with a splash of spiritualism, while the colour composition is the epitome of simplicity. The composition of these elements combines to create a tranquil ambience. The style of this portrayal of figures reminds viewers of Japanese ukiyo-e.