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Subject:Translation of Zhang Daqian painting inscription requested
Posted By: Charo Tue, Jan 05, 2021 IP: 82.217.48.123

This painting is signed by Zhang Daqian (大千居士袁), but I am not sure the work is really by him. Unfortunately, I cannot decipher the inscription. Any help would be greatly appreciated.







Subject:Re: Translation of Zhang Daqian painting inscription requested
Posted By: I.Nagy Tue, Jan 05, 2021

Inscriptions in my rough translation,

求放心騎疑日月
得閑身己到蓬莱
朝元仗侶若可睹
手折芙蓉歸去來

I want to be at ease, so I am suspected to ride on the sun and moon,
My body will have a leisure when I arrive to
*Mt.Penglai,
If I can see the celestial companions of the Yuan Dynasty, I will return with a lotus folded in my hands.

Signature,
大千居士爰 - Daqian-jushi Yuan
Seal,
大千 - Daqian

張大千 先生 - Master Zhang Daqian
山米 中堂   - Shanmi, Central scroll (hung in the middle of the wall of the main room)

* Mt. Penglai - legendary island of the Chinese mythology

With regards,
I.Nagy

Subject:Re: Translation of Zhang Daqian painting inscription requested
Posted By: Charo Wed, Jan 06, 2021

Dear Mr. Nagy,
Thank you very much for providing the translation. Knowing the meaning of the inscription adds much to the enjoyment of the painting.
Best regards,
Charo

Subject:Re: Translation of Zhang Daqian painting inscription requested
Posted By: Daohuan Thu, Jan 07, 2021

This poem goes deep in the Daoist beliefs. The first 2 sentences were said to be from certain couplet (心疑骑日月,身已到蓬莱,writings on 2 scrolls or plaques for decor) in Ming Dynasty. The meaning is : heart unease about (the feeling of seemingly) riding the sun and the moon, while the flesh (body) arrived at Penglai mountain. Probably it referred to the scenery in Huang Mountain. Zhang changed its meaning to: relaxing the uneaseness to ride the sun and the moon. Easily arrived at Penglai. The holy deities seemed close to see (may refer to painting 朝元仙杖图 in Song dynasty). With the lotus at hand I came back to Penglai (after wandering or getting lost in mundane life, both lotus and the 归去来 showed up in poems of Tao Yuanming, may get meaning from them, too).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Penglai
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao_Yuanming


Subject:Re: Translation of Zhang Daqian painting inscription requested
Posted By: Charo Fri, Jan 08, 2021

Dear Daohuan,
Thank you very much for your reflection. It adds more depth and context to the appreciation of the painting.
Best regards,
Charo

Subject:Re: Translation of Zhang Daqian painting inscription requested
Posted By: I.Nagy Tue, Jan 05, 2021

Oops,
Correct,
山水 中堂 - Landscape, Central scroll....

With regards,
I.Nagy


Subject:Re: Translation of Zhang Daqian painting inscription requested
Posted By: MB Mon, Jan 18, 2021

Dear Charo,

It's a beautiful painting! And the poem makes a lot of sense, since Zhang Daqian dialogues with Tao Yuanming many times, including his latest masterpiece: Panorama of Mount Lu and also in one of his most famous paintings: Peach Blossom Spring.
The style of the painting seems to me Ok and I would say that there is a good chance of being an original work. A pity not to have a date, so we could compare the style better. I suggest you look for a reputable auction house and send some pictures.
Best,
MB

Subject:Re: Translation of Zhang Daqian painting inscription requested
Posted By: Charo Tue, Jan 19, 2021

Dear MB,
Thank you for your nice valuation of this painting. Would be nice if it was an original painting of Zhang Daqian, but it is beautiful anyway.


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