Lang Jingshan (1892-1995)
Three thousand Daqian
silver print on photo paper
37x28 cm
(14 1/2 x 11 in)

In the 1930s, when Huang Shan had not been developed, Lang Jingshan was invited to be the committee member of Huang Shan Construction Committee, in which Zhang Daqian was also being invited. An exhibition of Paintings and Photography of Huang Shan was being held at that time, presenting the works by Huang Binhong, Ye Qianyu, Zhang Daqian and Lang Jingshan. Since then, Lang became friends with Zhang Daqian.

Lang Jingshan had mentioned in an article that, “Since Daqian left China, we often met in Brazil, Paris and America. We had great time together. I made friends with his brother, so Daqian treated me like his brother. He once said he would do anything for me within his ability. He was a generous and easygoing gentleman”. They have a strong bond in their friendship, and they often exchanged and provided materials and creative ideas. In the 1960s, Lang Jingshan began to combine portraits with landscape photographs. Zhang Daqian was his major model. Dressed in Daoism custom, Zhang Daqian is the main subject matter in the series. Apart from publications, Lang held an exhibition showcasing photographs of Zhang Daqian in 1966.