Framed Chinese Ancestor Painting - 19th Century

This antique Chinese ancestor scroll painting dates to the 19th 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 husbands and wives sitting on ceremonial chairs. The servants are pictured diminutive, a theme found in many cultures across the globe. 

In the background is the Taoist immortal goddess Ma Gu (or Magu) can be seen in her classic form holding a vase whilst accompanied by a deer. Magu is the immortal of longevity and blessing.

The inscriptions on the vases read "brilliant colors found in the imperial household" and "the orchids have exotic fragrance".

Dimensions:

94.5 x 3 x 144 (wxdxh cms)

Painting Size: 72 x 121cm (wxh cms)

Condition:

Framed by our expert framing team with a luxurious black & gilt frame. See images for cosmetic tears and marks which are to be expected with age. 

From China

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