The Brush of the East: Zhang Daqian Memorial Museum and the Garden of Splashed Ink

The "Eastern Picasso" and the Sweet City

1.Located on Xilin Avenue in the Dongxing: District of Neijiang City, Sichuan Province, the Zhang Daqian Memorial Museum is a serene artistic sanctuary dedicated to one of the most prodigious painters of the 20th century. Situated approximately 180 kilometers from Chengdu, this National 4A Tourist Attraction sits atop a hill overlooking the Tuojiang River, covering an area of about 20 mu (1.3 hectares). Neijiang, known as the "Sweet City," is the hometown of Zhang Daqian (1899–1983), a master artist often compared to Picasso for his versatility and impact. He is renowned as the "Eastern Picasso" and is celebrated for reviving the grandeur of Chinese painting through his legendary "splashed ink and splashed color" (Pomo Pocai) techniques. The museum is not just a gallery; it is built on the site of his former residence, the "Dafeng Hall" (Hall of Great Wind), and serves as the most complete memorial venue in China for studying his life, art, and the "Great Wind" spirit that swept through the art world.

A Masterpiece of Western Sichuan Gardens

The architecture of the museum is a work of art in itself, embodying the elegance of a classical Western Sichuan garden. The layout follows a "Sanheyuan" (three-section compound) structure, featuring grey tiles, white walls, and intricate wood carvings that blend naturally with the landscape. The garden design reflects Zhang Daqian’s aesthetic philosophy: "I would rather eat no meat than live without bamboo." Consequently, the grounds are adorned with lush bamboo forests, rugged rockeries, and winding paths. A centerpiece of the garden is the Lotus Pond, said to be designed based on the master’s own vision. Zhang Daqian loved lotuses for their symbol of "rising from the mud unsullied," and in summer, the pond comes alive with blooming flowers and the scent of greenery, creating a living version of his famous lotus paintings. Visitors can stroll through the Baizhu Pavilion (100 Bamboo Pavilion) and the Ruilian Pavilion, or cross the Laifeng Bridge, immersing themselves in a three-dimensional painting of ink and water.

The Legacy of Dunhuang and Splashed Ink

The core of the museum lies in its extensive collection of art, which traces the evolution of Zhang Daqian’s genius. The Splashed Ink and Color Hall displays hundreds of authentic works and replicas, showcasing his transition from traditional fine brushwork (Gongbi) to the bold, abstract splashed-ink style he developed in his later years. Highlights include the magnificent replica of the Ten Thousand Miles of the Yangtze River scroll and the Mount Lu map, which demonstrate his mastery of blending Western light and shadow with Chinese ink traditions. Another significant section is the Dunhuang Mural Copying Hall. In the 1940s, Zhang Daqian spent three years living in the caves of Dunhuang, copying hundreds of murals and effectively introducing these ancient treasures to the world. The hall recreates this period of "wall-facing" dedication, displaying vivid copies that capture the splendor of the Tang Dynasty and earning him the title of "Guardian of Dunhuang".

A Taste of Life and Culture

Beyond painting, the museum offers a glimpse into Zhang Daqian’s colorful personal life and the cultural heritage of Neijiang. Zhang was a renowned foodie and is said to have drawn inspiration from local traditions like Sugar Painting (Tanghua). During festivals, the museum often hosts interactive events where craftsmen create sugar art, blending the "sweetness" of Neijiang with the "ink scent" of the master. The exhibits also include photographs and models of his overseas residences, such as the "Bade Garden" in Brazil and the "Maya Abode" in Taiwan, illustrating his life as a global wanderer who never forgot his roots. The museum also houses a Stele Forest, featuring calligraphy and poems by historical figures like the Ming Dynasty scholar Yang Shen, whom Zhang Daqian greatly admired. Whether you are admiring the reflection of the pavilions in the water, tracing the brushstrokes of a splashed-ink masterpiece, or simply sitting in the garden listening to the wind in the bamboo, a visit to the Zhang Daqian Memorial Museum is a profound journey into the heart of Chinese aesthetics.