Ink and color on silk
China, 16th/ early 17th century
Anonymous artist
Great painting in three parts
Formerly presumably a folding screen, mounted on a wood panel (later)
Extensive scene with wise men and immortals in a pine grove, accompanied by their servants
Background with towering clouds
Variety of auspicious symbols relating to the desire for longevity (peaches, deer, pines etc.)
Scenic depiction, whose richness of detail reveals a great sense of narrative
Dimensions, framed: 132.5 x 163.5 cm
Overall good condition
Provenance: Private collection, Great Britain

The present painting was originally presumably a three-part folding screen and was later mounted on a single panel. The considerable size and excellent painting technique in the style of the Song dynasty suggest that the work was painted as ‘zhu shou tu’ ??? (painting of good wishes) on the occasion of the birthday of a person of high social status. The latter is the protagonist of the painting and depicted several times in various scenarios meeting immortals such as Shoulao and Liu Hai, a Taoist alchemist now revered as a god of prosperity.



The scene depicts a solemn gathering of immortals and scholars. A pine forest – a symbol of longevity – creates diagonal lines on left and right to form a large canopy. In the central area one recognizes a character with a high forehead reminiscent of Shoulao (deity of longevity) who is carrying two peaches on his back with a stick. The image of Liu Hai with his toad in the center represents the desire for wealth. In the upper left corner of the picture one can see four immortals on clouds. The old man in their midst hands a bronze vessel JUE to a figure representing the recipient of the painting. In ancient China ‘jue’ was a noble rank, thus the presentation of the JUE also signifies the symbolic elevation to a higher rank. On the lower right a boy is petting a white deer. The latter is an auspicious animal, the color white being a symbol of purity. The deer in the center and the silhouette of a bat hidden in the clouds are further auspicious animals. Moreover peaches as a sign of longevity are to be discovered everywhere, for example in a woven basket lower right, in the hands of the boys etc., whereas the white and red blossoms of the plum trees symbolize fortitude and modesty and the gourds signify prosperity.



The skilful brushwork in the present work is very fine. The artistry is reminiscent of Ming artists such as Qiu Ying, Dai Jin and Shang Xi. Typical characteristics of this period are the delicate depiction of the characters, the vivid facial features as well as the elegant flowing lines of the garments. This type of genre painting flourished during the late Ming dynasty, which was heavily influenced by the traditions of Southern Song painting with artists seeking to develop the Song’s descriptive, ink-wash style with great technical virtuosity. There was a major revival of figure painting with an influence of Western art and a particular interest in naturalism, perspective and shading. The goal was not only the development of the brushwork of old masters and the introduction of the scholar's mind, but the refinement of genre painting in general.



Condition: The painting is overall in good condition. In places there are minor losses to the surface and some water stains. The dimensions including the frame are 132.5 x 163.5 cm.

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