The mogu is a very old technique that was already practiced under the Tang, based on the observation that graphic figuration can be obtained by wash without a drawing.
Zhang brings new ideas through the use of splashes in superimposed layers for creating rare colors. In 1965 he experiments his new technique now close to abstraction with varied themes : landscapes, lotus.
Some landscapes are located in the Swiss mountains. A snowy landscape 173 x 344 cm was sold for RMB 165M yuan including premium by Poly on December 4, 2016.
Others evoke the ancient China by their title and by the insertion at the completion of the creative process of small scattered houses according to the traditional style of drawing.
Splendor of the Peak, ink and color on silk 172 x 90 cm, was sold for HK $ 34M including premium by Christie's on November 26, 2016. With a provenance from the Mei Yun Tang collection, Ancient Temples amidst Clouds, ink and color on gold paper of same size, was sold for HK $ 68M including premium by Sotheby's on May 31, 2011 and will be sold by Christie's on May 30 in Hong Kong, lot 8001.
This new style makes Zhang busy until the end of his life. Titled An Invitation to Rusticate, a magnificent 67 x 188 cm color study made in 1966 was sold for HK $ 72M including premium by Sotheby's on May 27, 2013. Realized in 1982, Peach Blossom Spring is the culmination of these subtle mingles of abstract colors and detailed drawings. This ink and colors 209 x 92 cm was sold for HK $ 270M including premium by Sotheby's on April 5, 2016.
SOLD for HK$ 102M including premium