Chang Dai-Chien
Hello, people of Incredible India.
Here is another story of a forger. This time, we are leaving Europe to go the East.
Chang Dai-Chien
Chang Dai-Chien was born on May 10, 1899, in Neijiang City, Sichuan Province.
He was the ninth child of a wealthy family involved in the textile industry. All members of his family possessed a talent for calligraphy and drawing. Dai-Chien took lessons from his most gifted sister until she felt she had nothing more to teach him.
A painter, calligrapher, forger, Buddhist monk, tireless traveler, and adventurer adept at mingling with important figures and engaging in espionage, he is recognized as a renovator of classical Chinese painting who perfectly imitated the style of ancient artists.
He wanted to go to the city to study traditional Chinese arts, but his father denied him that opportunity because he wanted him to study textile engineering and economics instead.
Just then, his father suffered a financial setback that prevented him from carrying out his plans. Dai-Chien took advantage of this problem to run away from home.
He wanted to go to the city to study traditional Chinese arts, but his father denied him that opportunity because he wanted him to study textile engineering and economics instead.
Just then, his father suffered a financial setback that prevented him from carrying out his plans. Dai-Chien took advantage of this problem to run away from home.
Around 1918, Dai-Chien arrived in Shanghai in search of one of his older brothers. He quickly integrated into the city's bohemian life. Dai-Chien's brother, Shan-Zu, earned a living as a tiger painter and secret agent for Sun Shat-Sen's government. During this same period, he perfected his calligraphy skills, mastering all the ancient and modern forms of Chinese writing.
He also dedicated himself to traditional poetry, which accompanied his illustration work. He had two teachers, Seng Si and Li Jui-Ching, who had their disciples copy works by past masters to acquire their talent and become aware of the entire tradition of which they were a part.
In the late 1920s, Chang Dai-Chien began to make a name for himself in the Chinese art world. His works were in the Sieyi style. Besides exhibiting his own paintings, he also organized sales and shows of his friends' work. At one of these gatherings, an attendee suggested he take his own paintings and pass them off as originals. Dai-Chien didn't take it seriously and claimed he was only doing it for fun.
Success and Exile
Before turning forty, Chang's fame had spread throughout the country, just as political turmoil and internal conflicts were shaking the nation. Chang earned a good living from his artwork, unaware that it was being sold as genuine antiques. In 1949, he left the country, claiming to love the "free world," though it is also believed that his departure was influenced by the political activism of his brother, Shan-Zu.
The exiled artist arrived with his family in Hong Kong and from there they went to India. Once there, Chang saw the religious murals. In 1953 he arrived in Buenos Aires and then moved near São Paulo.
In São Paulo were many Chinese criminal groups. A man named Kiang was sent by General Chiang Kai-Sek to protect Dai-Chen because he was still wanted by the Chinese goverment.
The Picasso of the East
Chang lived his eighty years in a very active way, always sporting a beard and a floor-length robe that made him resemble the yellow men who decorated his paintings.
Pablo Picasso paid tribute to him when they met in 1956. Chang Dai-Chien was one of the greatest forgers of his time, and he was shown some works to test him. Fortunately, he didn't miss a single one: both works were fakes.
In 1977, Dai-Chien wished to return to his homeland, but despite the government's offers and promises, he preferred to stay in Taiwan. He died in this island nation in 1983, receiving numerous offerings and tributes from people of all ages and social classes.
Thanks a lot.