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19th C. Qing Dynasty Chinese Ancestor Portrait

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 1,000.00 USD
19th C. Qing Dynasty Chinese Ancestor Portrait
For your consideration is this late 19th to early 20th century Chinese polychrome ancestor portrait of a man. Since ancient times, Chinese culture has placed a high value on ancestor worship. The upkeep of departed ancestors' spirits was a sacred familial duty during the Imperial eras. These commemorative portraits and ancestor paintings evolved into indispensable household items. The man, a first civil rank nobleman, is wearing traditional clothing and bears a white crane on the center of his chest. His red robe is decorated with a flying white crane mandarin square, which indicates his rank. Longevity and wisdom were represented by the crane. As a result, the crane mandarin symbol identified the wearer as the first and most senior civil officer in the Qing court. The portrait is thought to have been done on silk and has been placed on a composite board to preserve the portrait. The portrait was originally on the traditional scroll. The portrait shows good condition for its antique age with some tears and holes throughout, but the portrait is still in good display condition. The portrait measures 60 3/4" L x 36 7/8" W.*