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 the patriarch and matriarch at the top with two rows of husband and wives. Two of the women each have a Mandarin square or rank badge (buzi) on their chests indicating their rank & status. The rank badges here depict silver pheasants, the fifth highest rank within the Chinese civil service. Silver pheasants symbolised beauty & good fortune. 

The colours used are vivid and a dramatic. The blue is made from ultramarine which became popular towards the end of the 19th century. All the figures wear officials hats. In the background is a poem on a hanging scroll.

Paintings like these would often be made upon the death of a family member. 

Supplied in a gilt and ebonised frame with anti-reflective glass.

From China

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