A selection of classic and modern Chinese ink works to be auctioned in Hong Kong on show in Beijing on April 6 and 7. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The enduring popularity of Zhang Daqian's work is grounded on his technical refinement and aesthetics, and also, the many styles he mastered to leave a diverse oeuvre.

The pocai("splash color") color-and-ink landscapes, for example, his last gift to the world, show a new summit he reached in a long and productive career, which he explored to overcome the inconvenience brought about by deteriorating eyesight in the later stage of his life.

Two Peaches by Qi Baishi. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In 1981, Zhang made In Search of Paradise, a work in pocai style in which he used expanses of green to create a utopian realm, rendering a serene, seclusive mood. Meanwhile, one can also detect Zhang's homesickness for his native Sichuan province, which he hadn't returned to since leaving in the late 1940s.

In Search of Paradisewill be part of a sale of modern Chinese ink paintings by Christie's in Hong Kong on May 1. A selection of the works to go under the hammer was shown in Beijing on April 6 and 7.

Lotus Lantern by Lin Fengmian. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The auction will feature other leading figures in 20th-century China, including Longevityby Qi Baishi, Village in Mount Wuyiby Wu Guanzhong and Lotus Lanternby Lin Fengmian.

On April 30, the auction house will hold a sale of classic Chinese paintings and calligraphic scrolls, including works of Jin Nong, Tang Yin and Wang Duo.

A selection of classic and modern Chinese ink works to be auctioned in Hong Kong on show in Beijing on April 6 and 7. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A selection of classic and modern Chinese ink works to be auctioned in Hong Kong on show in Beijing on April 6 and 7. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A selection of classic and modern Chinese ink works to be auctioned in Hong Kong on show in Beijing on April 6 and 7. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A selection of classic and modern Chinese ink works to be auctioned in Hong Kong on show in Beijing on April 6 and 7. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]