Lofty Branches Like Phoenix Wings

1960

Not on view

On loan to The Met

This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.

Because of their association with long life, pine trees were a favored subject for paintings presented on milestone birthdays. Zhang Daqian, one of the most revered modern Chinese painters, made this exceptionally grand example for his friend Zhao Shoujue (1881–1960) on the occasion of the latter’s eightieth birthday. The long inscription recounts the two men’s relationship, which by 1960 had spanned some thirty years.

Artwork Details

現代　張大千　鳳翼喬柯圖　軸
Title: Lofty Branches Like Phoenix Wings
Artist: Chang Dai-chien (Chinese, 1899–1983)
Date: 1960
Culture: China
Medium: Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Dimensions: Image: 74 7/16 × 39 9/16 in. (189 × 100.5 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Promised Gift of Jack and Susy Wadsworth
Object Number: L.2022.15.15
Curatorial Department: Asian Art