Important early Ming scroll painting, c. 1430, China, Flowering Rosebush, pigments on silk, red seals of Bian Jingzhao and Ming Emperor Xuan De (Zhu Zhanji, 1399-1435), inscribed "2nd year of Xuan De, 7th month in autumn Shang Huan (The 1st 10 days of the month), Zhi Wu Ying Dian (Royal Academy) Jinyi Guard, Longxi, Bian Jingzhao," 49"h x 25"w (sight), 54"h x 31"w (total)

Provenance: Property of a distinguished Chinese art historian

Notes/Literature: Bian Jingzhao, also called Wenjin, was active between 1424-1435. He entered the Royal Academy (Wu Ying Dian) in the Yong Le period (1403-1424) , and left in the Xuan De period (1426-1435). He was considered a leading early Ming painter, second only to the Song and Yuan flower-birds painters. Wenjin was appointed as a Jin Yi Guard (Jin Yi Wei) to be on call by the emperor Zhu Zhanj. This scroll is a rare example marked with Ming emperor Zhu Zhanji's seal. An identical, though less faded, example of the Emperor's seal can be seen in a painting on the Beijing Palace Museum's website -- http://www.dpm.org.cn/collection/paint/231097.html

Fair, shows age, cracks, abrasions, scratches, stains to silk surface