Ancestor Painting - Watercolour on Paper - 19th Century

This finely executed Chinese ancestor painting on paper depicts a high-ranking Manchu lady seated formally upon a low platform in full ceremonial court dress. Her richly ornamented robe is embroidered with four-clawed dragons, while the rank badge (补子, buzi) on her chest shows a golden pheasant, indicating Second Rank civil status within the Qing hierarchy. As women did not hold office, her attire reflects the rank of her husband, identifying her as the wife of a Second Rank civil official, a position of considerable prestige.

The palette is vivid and mineral-rich, with intricate textile patterning, auspicious cloud scrolls and stylised wave motifs. Beneath her court necklace (chaozhu) hang paired fish pendants, a traditional emblem of abundance, harmony and lineage continuity. The strict frontal pose and symmetrical throne setting confirm the work’s original function as a ritual ancestor portrait, created for lineage veneration rather than decorative display. The density of ornament and bold outlining support a late 19th century, late Qing dating.

The painting comes from the collection of Jean Brediam (d. 1949), a notable French administrator who served as Director General of the Municipal Services of the French Concession in Shanghai until 1940, before returning in 1946 as Head of the Shanghai office of the French Economic Mission. Such portraits were often acquired by foreign officials and collectors during the late Qing and Republican periods, valued both for their artistic quality and as evocative records of court life. The piece is presented in a black lacquered frame fitted with Tru Vue UltraVue UV70 glass, offering up to 70% UV protection, and is ready for wall display.

• Origin: China
• Date: Late Qing Dynasty, late 19th century
• Materials: Paint on paper
• Features: High-ranking Manchu lady in ceremonial court dress; golden pheasant rank badge; four-clawed dragon robe; paired fish pendant motif; ritual ancestor portrait composition; Tru Vue UltraVue UV70 protective glazing
• Provenance: Purchased on the UK art market – originally from the collection of Jean Brediam (d. 1949)
• Condition: Aged surface consistent with age; professionally framed with UV-protective glass
• Frame Dimensions: W74 x D3 x H133 cm
• Painting Dimensions: W59 x H118 cm
• Weight: 8 kg