Framed Chinese Ancestor Painting - Early 20th Century

This antique Chinese ancestor scroll painting dates to the first half of the 20th century and would have originally hung above an altar in a family home. Ancestor worship was an integral part of Chinese culture for many centuries. Ancestors were honored daily with an offering of incense. This was believed to protect the home and family members. 

These paintings are excellent social history and show the exact style of clothes officials would have worn when taking court. Here we see two husband and wives, each with a Mandarin square or rank badge (buzi) on their chests indicating their rank & status. The top row depicts a husband and wife with Paradise Flycatcher rank badges, the lowest, ninth civil rank. 

The lower couple depicts a fifth ranking general as determined by the bear rank badge. The animals used on military rank badges are fantastic and supernatural not resembling their natural namesake. Chinese bears often had whiskers, a mane, large paws, and a long tail. (See acc. 43.115.1 in The Met Museum).  His wife bears the rank badge of a crane (identified by its blue bill), the highest civil rank. Cranes symbolised wisdom & longevity. 

The colours used are vivid and a dramatic blue and gold carpet can be seen at the bottom of the painting. Both men are wearing officials hats. Paintings like these would often be made upon the death of a family member. 

Dimensions:

116 x 3 x 175(wxdxh cms)

Painting Size: 94 x 154cm (wxh cms)

Condition:

Framed by our expert framing team with a luxurious black & gilt frame. There is some damage to the original paper in the center of the painting (see main image for further details.)

From China

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