ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983)Gazing at the BoatScroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper43.3 x 52.3 cm. (17 x 20 5⁄8 in.)Inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artistDated early summer, yimao year (1975)Dedicated to Dawei and Madame Zijing (David and Jo Hess)NOTE: In 1975, Mr. and Mrs. David and Jo Hess was going to move from California to Moscow. Upon their departure, Zhang Daqian made this painting as a farewell gift. In this work, as a sentimental metaphor, a scholar stands in solitude at the shore while a small boat sailing away. While the family owns quite a few paintings by Zhang Daqian, they particularly treasured this one for the special meaning underlies it.