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47

After Xu Xi (885-975), Scroll Painting ‘Quails’, China 17/18thC

Currency:EUR Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,000.00 EUR Estimated At:3,200.00 - 4,000.00 EUR
After Xu Xi (885-975), Scroll Painting ‘Quails’, China 17/18thC
Scroll painting, ink and colors on paper
China, 17th / 18th century
After Xu Xi (885-975) – Chinese painter from Jiangning (Nanjing)
Inscribed ‘Quails by Xi Xu – divine class (a grade of classification of Chinese painting)’
Mounted on paper with a silk brocade frame, wooden handles
Overall dimensions: 150 x 68 cm
Image size: 111 x 51 cm
Provenance: Collection of Livingston T. Merchant; owned by the family since the 1940s
A skilful composition in the manner of Xu Xi, which enthralls the viewer with its fine brushwork

This scroll painting dates to 17th or 18th century China and is executed in the style of Chinese painter Xu Xi (885-975). The latter was renowned for his depictions of flowers, bamboo, birds and fish, which he rendered in a life-like manner with free, casual brush work. In this work two quails are shown under bamboo, a composition which was later taken up by many famous painters such as Jiang Tingxi (1669-1732). The plumage of the little birds is rendered with the finest brush strokes. The surrounding nature with rocks, bamboo stalks and a peony is captured in harmonious colors. The charming motif gives the work a special appeal and present the painter’s virtuosity.



The scroll painting used to be in the collection of Livingston T. Merchant. The US-American diplomat (1903-1976) worked for the US delegation in Nanjing in 1948, where he acquired the present painting.



The work is mounted on paper with a silk brocade frame. It is inscribed ‘Quails by Xi Xu – divine class (a grade of classification of Chinese painting)’ as well as stamped with three seals. The painting has a suspension for hanging and wooden handles.



The scroll painting has been restored and is in visually appealing condition with signs of age. There are some tears (backed on verso) and traces of restauration to the depiction. The mounting shows some stains. The overall size is 150 x 68 cm and the image size is 111 x 51 cm.


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