A masterpiece of Chinese painting by the legendary artist, Zhang Daqian, has been hanging in the Control Yuan for many years. But now the president of the institute, Wang Chien-shien, decides to donate it to the National Museum of History, so that the maestro's work could be appreciated by the public.

"Pine and Cypress" is an ink painting measuring 194 centimeters long and 102 centimeters wide.

Completed by Zhang Daqian in 1969, it has a market value of at least 100 million NT.

The painting has hung in the Control Yuan's second-floor reception room for many years, and was once briefly loaned to the National Museum of History for an exhibition.

Control Yuan President Wang Chien-shien recently decided to donate the colorful, elegant painting to the NMH, which already has more than 150 Zhang Daqian pieces in its collection.

Apart from having the painting preserved by experts, Wang says that the donation will allow the public to enjoy Zhang's works.