Pair of Chinese Ancestor Portraits, probably Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) in date, were commissioned to represent the husband and wife of a wealthy family. Once Hanging scrolls, they have been cut out of the original mounting to be framed for a western household. The gentleman who is portrayed with robes appropriate to a court official wears a rank badge with a flying bird. The portraits were painted in a workshop that included artists who specialized in the rendering of faces and those who specialized in painting the robes, chairs and robes. In keeping with Chinese portraiture protocols, the figures are reprsented in frontal views wearing robes appropriate to their status. The gentleman's features are delicately painted with slight shading around the cheeks and eyes. Fine brush lines describe the mustache, eyebrows and eyes. The long necklaces of jade and precious stones further emphasize his courtly status. The blue robes have horse-hoof sleeves and are decorated with the cosmic motif of dragons chasing flaming pearls. Commonly found on court robes, the motif is also painted in front and center of the garment near the hem. The chair sits on a rug decorated with peonies, also associated with the imperial court. Similarly presented, the wife's features are delicately described with subtle shading around her eyes, mouth and cheeks. Her attire is intricately decorated with peony blossoms and cloud patterns. Painted white dots outline the decorative elements of the garment suggesting pearls that have been sewn onto the embroidered silk. She wears green jade earrings and a necklace with a white jade bi disc. The stone is symbolic of immortality and highly prized in Chinese jewelry. Her chair also sits on a rug with peony motifs.
Dimensions: Painting: L. 46 1/4" W. 25 1/2" With Frame: L. 56" W. 35"
Condition: Some foxing on paper and faint brown line on the surface of the wife's portrait; general surface scuffs and wear. Paintings not examined out of framing.