A stamp designed by Zhang in 1949 to mark the founding of New China. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Zhang also monitored the carvings on the Monument to the People's Heroes at Tian'anmen Square, which was unveiled in 1958.

He also supervised the decoration of the "10 grand architectures" in Beijing to mark the 10th anniversary of New China.

Separately, he also helped boost the image of New China by participating in the design of Chinese pavilions at several expositions abroad in the 1950s, including the Leipzig Messe, a major trade fair, in 1954 and two years later, at the International Expositions in Paris.

As a member of a Chinese culture delegation, he met Pablo Picasso, whom he had admired, in Cannes, France in 1956.

Zhang did not receive training at any art school and taught himself.

Xi Jingzhi, a former colleague, says Zhang called Picasso a great man whose innovative approach breathed new life into fine art.