SPARROW ON TREE BRANCH, Zhang Daqian (Chang Dai-chien) 1899-1983

signed Zhang Daqian Yuan, with a dedication to Harry S. Chong (1912-2014) and Emma O. Dong, with one seal of the artist, zhang da qian chang nian da ji you ri li
ink and color on cardboard
26.9 by 24 cm. 10 5/8 by 9 1/2 in.

Provenance:
Dr. Emma O. Dong (1913-2015) was a renowned ophthalmologist in California and the first Chinese woman to be certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1950. Around 1970, Zhang Daqian's eyesight was failing due to cataracts in his eyes so he had cataract surgery of the right eye in New York. Unfortunately, due to complications caused by his diabetic condition, the surgery did not improve his vision. After the artist moved to California, he was referred to Dr. Dong to see if the vision in his left eye could be improved. Under Dr. Dong's treatment, another cataract surgery was performed on the left eye and the result was excellent. His family and friends were overjoyed that the artist once again could do glorious art work with proper color and detail, which was crucial to Zhang Daiqian's later splash color style. Dr. Dong and her husband Dr. Harry S. Chong (2012-2014) were often invited to Zhang Daqian's home in California, and later Moye Jingshe in Taiwan.