Zhang Daqian was known to many as a prodigious Chinese artist. In addition to his achievements in art, Zhang had another little known role – a committed foodie. Let us look at the menus written by Zhang Daqian and take a glimpse of what kind of delicious cuisines that made the master drool over. If the saying ‘You are what you eat’ holds true, maybe these menus can help us cultivate the fine taste in art by following the master’s great taste in food.

Zhang loved food and he also loved painting food. He was known to tell his disciples that it was impossible for a student who ‘does not appreciate cuisine to really understand art.’

In his work, Zhang often depicted humble fare such as mushrooms, carrots, asparagus, cabbage, persimmons and mountain vegetables. The link between cooking and art is also evident in Zhang’s meticulous handwritten dinner menus, which he would regularly prepare in anticipation of a meal.

From the property of the Hsu Family Collection, a number of menus written by Zhang Daqian recently went up to auction at Christie’s New York, fetching more than US$100,000 each.

Min Chi Hsu worked for Zhang as his private chef from 1977 to 1979, soon after the artist had moved to Taiwan from Brazil. Hsu had just completed culinary training, and was introduced to Zhang through a friend’s father.  

Zhang Daqian was not only a real gourmand but also an expert chef. He treated his chef like one of his art students and would make recommendations on how to improve each dish.

This is a modern recreation of the dish ‘Liuyisi’

‘Liuyisi’ (six vegetable cuts with ham) was a signature dish invented by Zhang himself. It is a cold dish made with ingredients like pickled Taiwanese cucumbers, kirby cucumbers, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, yellow Chinese chives and red bell peppers. These ingredients are cut into slices and mixed with slices of ham. It was one of Zhang’s favourite dishes and a must-have dish whenever he invited guests and friends for feasts.

If you are still thinking about what to prepare for dinner tonight, maybe you can get some inspiration from Zhang’s menus.  

 

Menus written by Zhang Daqian

Zhang Daqian. Dinner Menus
Two scrolls, mounted for framing, ink on paper

Lot no.: 111
Size: 25.2 x 37.2cm；32.5 x 55.4cm
Provenance:
Property From the Hsu Family Collection
Estimate: US$22,000 - 36,000
Price realized: US$106,250

Zhang Daqian. Feast Menus.
Two scrolls, unmounted, ink on paper

Lot no.: 112
Size: 10.6 x 49cm；26.7 x 19cm
Provenance:
Property From the Hsu Family Collection
Estimate: US$7,000 - 14,000
Price realized: US$106,250

Zhang Daqian. Menus.
Two scrolls, unmounted, ink on paper

Lot no.: 113
Size: 15.4 x 54.5cm；19.3 x 26.5cm
Provenance:
Property From the Hsu Family Collection
Estimate: US$7,000 - 14,000
Price realized: US$106,250

Auction summary
Auction house: Christie’s New York
Sale: Fine Chinese Paintings
Sale: 2018/3/20