Zhang Daqian’s Interesting Past

Zhang Daqian (1899-1983) and Zhang Xueliang (1901-2001) are two prominent figures in 20th-century China.

Ding-dong, the story begins！

I heard that once General Zhang Xueliang showed off to Zhang Daqian, saying:

"Brother Qian, I've acquired a valuable painting by Shi Tao!"

After casting a quick glance at it, Zhang Daqian confidently replied:

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, that painting is a mere imitation, a fake."

Unconvinced, Zhang Xueliang asked for his reasoning, and Zhang Daqian casually explained:

"Because I painted it."

Hahaha, but hold your laughter for a moment.

Our comrade Zhang Daqian was not your ordinary artist. In the 1920s, he began to gain prominence in the art world by imitating the works of earlier masters. His skill was unparalleled, and his imitations could easily pass as genuine. For instance, he imitated a painting by the famous Qing Dynasty artist Shi Tao so masterfully that it deceived the eyes of the renowned traditional Chinese painter Huang Binhong. Zhang Daqian successfully exchanged this imitation for an authentic painting by Shi Tao from Huang Binhong.

I wonder why Brother Qian didn't imitate Tang Bohu's painting of an apple?

Hahahaha...