Zhang Daqian's gems to go under the hammer

Sotheby's Hong Kong will, for the first time, hold a sale of works from a private collection, besides its regular spring and autumn sales. It will feature 25 paintings by maestro Zhang Daqian (Chang Dai-chien, 1899-1983) from the private Mei Yun Tang Collection.

The works being put up for sale on May 31 were completed between 1940 and 1960, and comprise a wide range of subjects and styles, from the traditional fine brush paintings of Zhang's early years to the bold splashed ink-and-color of his later days.

Auction highlights include a hanging scroll Children Playing under a Pomegranate Tree, painted in 1948 and renowned for how Zhang captures the lightness of a child's waistcoat.