Rare Photograph of Zhang Da Qian by Chin San Long

A rare vintage silver gelatin print by Chinese photographer Chin San Long (also known as Lang Jingshan) (Chinese, 1892-1995). Entitled "Taking a Stroll," the composed image depicts the celebrated Chinese painter Zhang Daqian (1899-1983) in his full flowing bear, standing with a cane under a huge pine. Zhang Daqian was a close friend of Chin San Long's, and he was occasionally featured in his photograph. Hand signed along the lower right. The photograph is fixed to the black board mat, and it is displayed with a linen mat and black wood frame under museum UV glass.
Image measures 14.625"H x 11.5"W.
Chin San Long, also known as Lang Jingshan, was a pioneering Chinese photographer. Considered as "the most prominent figure in the history of Chinese art photography" and the "Father of Asian Photography", Long was born in China and moved to Taiwan in 1949. He was known for his innovative darkroom techniques, particularly his signature "composite photography" in which he overlaid negatives to create realistic composition, often with figures or animals in dramatic landscape settings. He was also the first Chinese photographer to take artistic nude photos. In 1960s, he started specialized in "poetry" landscape photography composed with figures. Many of his work were influenced by the ink paintings of his friend Zhang Daqian, showcasing an aesthetic ambience infused with Chinese literati ideal that was widely expressed in poetry, philosophy and even religion such as Taoism.