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Chinese Ancestor Portrait, Civil Official browse these categories for related items... All Items: Archives:Regional Art:Asian:Chinese: Pre 1900: item # 323630 Please refer to our stock # 60-55 when inquiring.
Silk Road Gallery PO Box 2175 Branford, Connecticut 06405, USA (203) 208-0771 Guest Book SOLD |
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| The bird pictured on the red rank badge sewn on the front of this Chinese gentleman's pufu, or topcoat, indicates he held a civil post rather than an imperial or military position. Such paintings were commissioned by descendants, and this one is executed in classic ancestor portrait style, with the person facing directly forward, seated on a chair with a rounded back. Portrait protocol also called for the facial expression to be unsmiling and serious but this official looks pleasant in spite of that. The large painting was affixed to an even larger scroll (this one is nearly eight feet in height) and hung over a home altar where descendants burned incense, placed food offerings and kowtowed to the image. Veneration of ancestors, an important part of Chinese life, centered around such portraits, which were believed to facilitate the family's ability to communicate with the spirits of their predecessors. The portraits are difficult to date precisely because they often were retouched or repainted. This one is from the latter part of the Qing Dynasty, probably late 19th century. The painting is in good condition. It was rescrolled at some point and the present backing is undamaged but not pristine. This portrait would be stunning as a framed piece. Dimensions including scroll: height 93" (236 cm), width 36-1/2" (93 cm). Dimensions of painting only: height 63" (160 cm), width 31" (79 cm). | ||||||||
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