Description:

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A wonderful pair of silk painting ancestral portraits displaying a male and female, each dressed elaborately and seated on a tiger hide-covered throne. The husband wears a cobalt blue robe with a black silk overcoat, his rank badge displayed proudly on his chest, while the wife is adorned by a gilt, scarlet red coat, an emerald skirt, and an intricate headdress. Family members commissioned ancestor portraits to commemorate deceased relatives. These paintings were treated with the greatest respect. On certain holidays, families would honor their ancestors by bowing before the portraits and placing food in front of them. If properly cared for, ancestors contributed to wealth and good fortune for their descendants. If ignored, ancestors could turn into nasty ghosts who would bring bad luck. Size of portrait (both the same): 6.8" W x 9" H (17.3 cm x 22.9 cm); of frame: 15.75" W x 33.25" H (40 cm x 84.5 cm)

Provenance: private Truchas, New Mexico, USA collection, acquired at the Sarasota Antique Show, Sarasota, Florida, USA in 2002

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#189314

  • Condition: Set behind glass in custom matte and frame. Paintings have not been examined outside of glass but appear to be in excellent overall condition. Gallery paper and suspension wire on verso for display.

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October 11, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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