Authentic Antique 1871 Chinese Painting SU GENG 苏庚 SILK Two Old Men Playing GO
Item History & Price
SPECIAL NOTICE!
Because of the worldwide pandemic and the extreme slowdown in packages being delivered on time, especially to our international customers, we have updated our Shipping Policy to reflect our ongoing concern for our customers and the need to deliver their packages in a timely manner. Please take a moment to read our new Shipping Policy posted below, especially if you are an international buyer. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our new Shipping Polic...y, please send me an email before placing your bid or making your offer.
Thank you and best wishes for your continued safety and good health from St. Antiques ❤️
TITLE: Authentic Antique 1871 Chinese Painting SU GENG 苏庚 SILK Two Old Men Playing GO
DESCRIPTION: This is a wonderful and very delightful, old, antique Chinese painting on nice silk. Ink and colors. I love this painting! It is SO charming as it depicts to elderly gentlemen playing a challenging Chinese game called "GO". The game of GO is "an abstract strategy board game for two players, in which the aim is to surround more territory than the opponent. The game was invented in China more than 2, 500 years ago and is believed to be the oldest board game continuously played to the present day." You can read more about it on Wikipedia. :)
The thing I like about this painting is that the artist was able to capture wonderful expressions on the faces of the two old men. The one on the right appears to be very calm and thoughtful, while the one on the left appears to be quite anxious about his apparently skilled opponent! Haha! The old men have settled themselves by a slow-moving river, which may be a metaphor for their age, but they are still mentally strong, which may be the meaning of the rocks with which they are surrounded. Behind them is a really old tree, which has seen better days, which also may be a metaphor of their age. Next to the old scholar on the right (who is my favorite) there is a young servant who stands faithfully by his side. How nice is that! There is a poem at the top, but it was not translated for me, so I do not know what it says. Wish I did because I am sure it is quite amusing - or maybe it says something about challenges. I don't know, but the painting is wonderful and I know whoever buys it is going to really enjoy owning it as I have!
This wonderful piece was painted in the Autumn of a Xin Wei year, which could either be 1871 or 1931. However, having said that, I have handled a lot of old, truly antique Chinese paintings that were previously evaluated by Asian experts from the old days, so I do believe this painting is from the earlier Xinwei period, which means it would have been painted in the third quarter of the 19th century, so 1871, TONGZHI era, QING dynasty. This painting is beautifully mounted in a very expensive, golden-yellow, silk brocade mounting. The roller ends appear to be zitan, but I cannot say for sure. This lovely, old painting will be an excellent addition to your authentic, old antique Chinese paintings collection to be enjoyed for many years to come!
Please note: The eBay carousel only allows 12 images, so I will be uploading more images for this painting into the description below. Please check back later for the additional images.
This is the first time this painting has been offered to the public. It has been in private hands for over 90 years and has only passed from collector to collector since circa 1930 when it was originally purchased from a Japanese dealer in Tokyo.
ABOUT THE ARTIST: This painting is signed SU GENG 苏庚
SIGNATURE: SU GENG 苏庚
SEALS: This painting has four (4) seals. I am told that it is very important to pay attention to seals, not only the seals of the artist, but also, very importantly, of any collector's seals that may be on a painting, as they can hold good insight for the history of the painting.
SIZE: Painting Image is approximately 30 in. high x 10 in. wide.
Overall width is approximately 16 in. wide.
PROVENANCE: The Marge and Rodney "Pete" Henricksen Collection of Asian art, gathered while living in Japan in the 1960s. Important paintings from Mr. and Mrs. Henricksen's extensive collection have been exhibited at Cornell University's Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art as well as sold through Sotheby's in New York. This is a good opportunity to acquire an authentic painting from the former Henricksen Collection.
CONDITION: In very good condition for its age, with minor toning and some very light stains. Please see pictures. As this painting is authentically old, there may be several other condition issues that may include foxing, mold, water damages, tears, rubbings, creases, dirt, worm holes, etc. Please make sure you review all images carefully before placing your bid or making your offer. Because of the possibility of these condition issues, this painting is being sold "AS IS".
Please Note: This old painting may be pictured with old roller-end knobs that may be CITES restricted. Paintings with any such CITES restricted old roller-end knobs are pictured with their original knobs for reference only. This is to simply show the age of the mounting and also the higher status of the painting in that such expensive roller-end knobs were used. Old roller-knobs that are CITES restricted will be removed before packing and are not sold with, nor will they be shipped with the painting.
MORE PICS COMING
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE
Please note that we do not read Chinese nor are we the final say experts in Chinese paintings. In many cases, we have relied on more knowledgable, outside sources for their opinions, including their Chinese to English translations of the name of artist, signatures, seals if any, as well as age, etc. When an old receipt is available, it will show the date the painting was purchased as well as give an opinion as to the name of the artist and the date it was probably painted. If the artist is listed in an artist dictionary, the old receipt will say so, although this date may not be for the actual artist who painted the artwork.CAVEAT EMPTOR: Chinese artists, like all artists in training, are known to copy old Chinese master paintings in order to learn how to paint well themselves. Even the major auction houses like Christie's and Sotheby's do not guarantee old paintings. For instance, with regards to Chinese Calligraphy and Painting, Christie's Condition of Sale reads, "...the authenticity warranty does not apply because current scholarship does not permit the making of definitive statements." With so many artists and so many genres of Asian paintings, it is VERY difficult to be absolutely definitive about the authenticity or true date of many of the Asian paintings that we offer for sale here on eBay. We do upload many large pictures so you can see as much detail as possible. Please make sure you examine all pictures carefully and judge for yourself the price you wish to pay. You should also consult your own expert as to their opinion BEFORE YOU BID.This Lot is being Sold "AS IS" and ALL SALES ARE FINAL: This is an estate liquidation auction so all sales will be final. Please examine all pictures closely, including signatures and seals (if any). Bidding on this item means that you have fully examined the photos, have an understanding of its possible condition issues and have accepted the condition issues for your purchase at the bid you place. If you need more assistance or further information we will be very happy to help you. If you have any further questions, please email BEFORE YOU BID.YOUR FINAL BID DOES NOT INCLUDE YOUR POTENTIAL TAXES
If you live in another a USA State that collects Internet taxes, then eBay will add your State tax to the Invoice. If you live in a foreign country, i.e., China, you will have to pay additional import and customs taxes to import this item into your country. Please remember to count this additional tax in with the bid you wish to place. PLEASE NOTE: WE WILL NOT SEND PURCHASED ITEMS AS "GIFTS" AND WE WILL NOT LOWER THE VALUE OF YOUR WON ITEM ON CUSTOMS FORMS. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO DO SO.
PAYMENTS
ALL PAYMENTS FOR ITEMS BOUGHT THROUGH AUCTION ARE DUE WITHIN 48 HOURS POST AUCTION OR IMMEDIATELY IF THE SALE IS COMPLETED WITH A BUY IT NOW.
If you purchase multiple items in this week's sale, please let me know if you want to use combined shipping. If you want to combine ship, PLEASE WAIT FOR YOUR INVOICE SO THAT I CAN TALLY THE BEST PRICE FOR YOU.
SHIPPING POLICIES
COMBINING ITEMS FOR SHIPMENT
For the convenience of our buyers, we will continue to offer combined shipping for our items, but this will only be for "like items". For example, we can usually combine ship up to three (3) hanging scroll paintings per shipment, but sometimes more, if the paintings are small or unmounted. We use special mailing tubes to ship scroll paintings and only three (3) regular sized scroll paintings will fit into one package. Any further paintings will need to be placed in their own boxes, again, usually up to three (3) paintings in one box according to the sizes. If you purchase ?unlike items?, for example a scroll painting and an object, it will depend on the size of the object as to whether it will safely fit in the mailing tube with the scroll painting. If the unlike items do not safely fit together in one package, then separate shipments will be necessary.
DOMESTIC (USA) SHIPMENTS
All items will now be shipped via USPS Priority Mail Express® for our USA buyers. USPS Priority Mail Express® automatically provides $100 (maximum) for lost or damaged items, but you can purchase more from USPS to fully cover your item if you like. It also comes with a tracking number and proof of delivery signature record.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS
All items shipped to international destinations will now be shipped via USPS Priority Mail Express International?. Delivery is 3-5 business days. It includes a tracking number and up to $200 (maximum) for lost or damaged items, but you can purchase more from USPS to fully cover your item if you like.
IMPORT TAX RESPONSIBILITIES
All import taxes and duties for foreign buyers will be the responsibility of the buyer. Please consult your countries tax requirements for the amount they will require for your import duties. We do not mark items as gifts nor do we place a lower value on the item other than for what it sold. PLEASE DO NOT ASK US TO SEND YOUR ITEM AS A GIFT OR TO MARK THE VALUE LOWER FOR CUSTOMS AS IT IS AGAINST INTERNATIONAL LAWS TO DO SO.
USPS SHIPPING ALERT: USPS can no longer accept or deliver international mail to several countries due to C-19 service impacts. There are International countries who have issued temporary service and guaranteed-delivery suspensions.
Examples of Countries who have issued Impact Statements:
HONG KONG
8-3-20
Hong Kong Post advises that special working arrangements for government employees are extended until Aug. 9. The force majeure situation remains in place, affecting processing and delivery of all types of mail with an impact on quality of service.
CHINA
China Post says delays should be expected in mail transport, processing and delivery.
7-21-20
China Post advises that several provinces in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are experiencing flooding resulting from heavy rains. There are disruptions in the collection, delivery and transportation of all inbound and outbound international mail to and from Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Guangxi, Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, Chongqing, Sichuan, Zhejiang and Guizhou provinces. Processing, transportation and delivery of inbound items to these provinces may be delayed. China Post is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure.
3-23-20
Priority Mail Express International guarantee suspended. Due to airline travel restrictions and cancellations, the U.S. Postal Service has temporarily suspended the guarantee on Priority Mail Express International destined to China. This suspension will be in effect until further notice. The Postal Service is taking all reasonable measures to minimize impact to our customers.
REGARDING NON-PAYING BIDDERS & AUCTION WINNERS WITH BUYER'S REMORSE: PLEASE ASK YOUR QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU BID! PLEASE DO NOT WAIT TO ASK QUESTIONS AFTER YOU BID BECAUSE IT IS VERY STRESSFUL TO THIS OLD SELLER! DO NOT BID IF YOU ARE BUYING ON SPECULATION WITH NO REAL INTENTION TO PAY IMMEDIATELY. ALL PAYMENTS ARE DUE IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIPT OF INVOICE. IF YOU HAVE NOT PAID FOR YOUR INVOICE AFTER 48 HOURS POST AUCTION, YOUR ACCOUNT WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY REPORTED TO EBAY AND YOU WILL RISK BEING BLOCKED FROM ALL OUR FUTURE SALES. NON-PAYING BIDDERS ARE HURTFUL TO THE UNDERBIDDER WHO WANTED TO BUY THE ITEM JUST AS MUCH AS YOU. NON-PAYING BIDDERS ARE ALSO HURTFUL TO THE SELLER BECAUSE BY THE TIME THE AUCTION IS OVER, WE MAY HAVE LOST THE UNDERBIDDER. IF YOU WIN AN ITEM, PLEASE PAY IMMEDIATELY SO WE CAN REMAIN ON GOOD TERMS. THERE ARE MANY NICE THINGS TO COME AND YOU NEED TO PLAY FAIR.
We will be offering other fine, authentically old, Asian art works for sale in the coming weeks, so please be sure to check out our Other Items and Save Us as a Favorite Seller!
Best regards,
St. Antiques 💖
On Aug-19-20 at 16:18:27 PDT, seller added the following information:
Because of the worldwide pandemic and the extreme slowdown in packages being delivered on time, especially to our international customers, we have updated our Shipping Policy to reflect our ongoing concern for our customers and the need to deliver their packages in a timely manner. Please take a moment to read our new Shipping Policy posted below, especially if you are an international buyer. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our new Shipping Polic...y, please send me an email before placing your bid or making your offer.
Thank you and best wishes for your continued safety and good health from St. Antiques ❤️
TITLE: Authentic Antique 1871 Chinese Painting SU GENG 苏庚 SILK Two Old Men Playing GO
DESCRIPTION: This is a wonderful and very delightful, old, antique Chinese painting on nice silk. Ink and colors. I love this painting! It is SO charming as it depicts to elderly gentlemen playing a challenging Chinese game called "GO". The game of GO is "an abstract strategy board game for two players, in which the aim is to surround more territory than the opponent. The game was invented in China more than 2, 500 years ago and is believed to be the oldest board game continuously played to the present day." You can read more about it on Wikipedia. :)
The thing I like about this painting is that the artist was able to capture wonderful expressions on the faces of the two old men. The one on the right appears to be very calm and thoughtful, while the one on the left appears to be quite anxious about his apparently skilled opponent! Haha! The old men have settled themselves by a slow-moving river, which may be a metaphor for their age, but they are still mentally strong, which may be the meaning of the rocks with which they are surrounded. Behind them is a really old tree, which has seen better days, which also may be a metaphor of their age. Next to the old scholar on the right (who is my favorite) there is a young servant who stands faithfully by his side. How nice is that! There is a poem at the top, but it was not translated for me, so I do not know what it says. Wish I did because I am sure it is quite amusing - or maybe it says something about challenges. I don't know, but the painting is wonderful and I know whoever buys it is going to really enjoy owning it as I have!
This wonderful piece was painted in the Autumn of a Xin Wei year, which could either be 1871 or 1931. However, having said that, I have handled a lot of old, truly antique Chinese paintings that were previously evaluated by Asian experts from the old days, so I do believe this painting is from the earlier Xinwei period, which means it would have been painted in the third quarter of the 19th century, so 1871, TONGZHI era, QING dynasty. This painting is beautifully mounted in a very expensive, golden-yellow, silk brocade mounting. The roller ends appear to be zitan, but I cannot say for sure. This lovely, old painting will be an excellent addition to your authentic, old antique Chinese paintings collection to be enjoyed for many years to come!
Please note: The eBay carousel only allows 12 images, so I will be uploading more images for this painting into the description below. Please check back later for the additional images.
This is the first time this painting has been offered to the public. It has been in private hands for over 90 years and has only passed from collector to collector since circa 1930 when it was originally purchased from a Japanese dealer in Tokyo.
ABOUT THE ARTIST: This painting is signed SU GENG 苏庚
SIGNATURE: SU GENG 苏庚
SEALS: This painting has four (4) seals. I am told that it is very important to pay attention to seals, not only the seals of the artist, but also, very importantly, of any collector's seals that may be on a painting, as they can hold good insight for the history of the painting.
SIZE: Painting Image is approximately 30 in. high x 10 in. wide.
Overall width is approximately 16 in. wide.
PROVENANCE: The Marge and Rodney "Pete" Henricksen Collection of Asian art, gathered while living in Japan in the 1960s. Important paintings from Mr. and Mrs. Henricksen's extensive collection have been exhibited at Cornell University's Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art as well as sold through Sotheby's in New York. This is a good opportunity to acquire an authentic painting from the former Henricksen Collection.
CONDITION: In very good condition for its age, with minor toning and some very light stains. Please see pictures. As this painting is authentically old, there may be several other condition issues that may include foxing, mold, water damages, tears, rubbings, creases, dirt, worm holes, etc. Please make sure you review all images carefully before placing your bid or making your offer. Because of the possibility of these condition issues, this painting is being sold "AS IS".
Please Note: This old painting may be pictured with old roller-end knobs that may be CITES restricted. Paintings with any such CITES restricted old roller-end knobs are pictured with their original knobs for reference only. This is to simply show the age of the mounting and also the higher status of the painting in that such expensive roller-end knobs were used. Old roller-knobs that are CITES restricted will be removed before packing and are not sold with, nor will they be shipped with the painting.
MORE PICS COMING
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE
Please note that we do not read Chinese nor are we the final say experts in Chinese paintings. In many cases, we have relied on more knowledgable, outside sources for their opinions, including their Chinese to English translations of the name of artist, signatures, seals if any, as well as age, etc. When an old receipt is available, it will show the date the painting was purchased as well as give an opinion as to the name of the artist and the date it was probably painted. If the artist is listed in an artist dictionary, the old receipt will say so, although this date may not be for the actual artist who painted the artwork.CAVEAT EMPTOR: Chinese artists, like all artists in training, are known to copy old Chinese master paintings in order to learn how to paint well themselves. Even the major auction houses like Christie's and Sotheby's do not guarantee old paintings. For instance, with regards to Chinese Calligraphy and Painting, Christie's Condition of Sale reads, "...the authenticity warranty does not apply because current scholarship does not permit the making of definitive statements." With so many artists and so many genres of Asian paintings, it is VERY difficult to be absolutely definitive about the authenticity or true date of many of the Asian paintings that we offer for sale here on eBay. We do upload many large pictures so you can see as much detail as possible. Please make sure you examine all pictures carefully and judge for yourself the price you wish to pay. You should also consult your own expert as to their opinion BEFORE YOU BID.This Lot is being Sold "AS IS" and ALL SALES ARE FINAL: This is an estate liquidation auction so all sales will be final. Please examine all pictures closely, including signatures and seals (if any). Bidding on this item means that you have fully examined the photos, have an understanding of its possible condition issues and have accepted the condition issues for your purchase at the bid you place. If you need more assistance or further information we will be very happy to help you. If you have any further questions, please email BEFORE YOU BID.YOUR FINAL BID DOES NOT INCLUDE YOUR POTENTIAL TAXES
If you live in another a USA State that collects Internet taxes, then eBay will add your State tax to the Invoice. If you live in a foreign country, i.e., China, you will have to pay additional import and customs taxes to import this item into your country. Please remember to count this additional tax in with the bid you wish to place. PLEASE NOTE: WE WILL NOT SEND PURCHASED ITEMS AS "GIFTS" AND WE WILL NOT LOWER THE VALUE OF YOUR WON ITEM ON CUSTOMS FORMS. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO DO SO.
PAYMENTS
ALL PAYMENTS FOR ITEMS BOUGHT THROUGH AUCTION ARE DUE WITHIN 48 HOURS POST AUCTION OR IMMEDIATELY IF THE SALE IS COMPLETED WITH A BUY IT NOW.
If you purchase multiple items in this week's sale, please let me know if you want to use combined shipping. If you want to combine ship, PLEASE WAIT FOR YOUR INVOICE SO THAT I CAN TALLY THE BEST PRICE FOR YOU.
SHIPPING POLICIES
COMBINING ITEMS FOR SHIPMENT
For the convenience of our buyers, we will continue to offer combined shipping for our items, but this will only be for "like items". For example, we can usually combine ship up to three (3) hanging scroll paintings per shipment, but sometimes more, if the paintings are small or unmounted. We use special mailing tubes to ship scroll paintings and only three (3) regular sized scroll paintings will fit into one package. Any further paintings will need to be placed in their own boxes, again, usually up to three (3) paintings in one box according to the sizes. If you purchase ?unlike items?, for example a scroll painting and an object, it will depend on the size of the object as to whether it will safely fit in the mailing tube with the scroll painting. If the unlike items do not safely fit together in one package, then separate shipments will be necessary.
DOMESTIC (USA) SHIPMENTS
All items will now be shipped via USPS Priority Mail Express® for our USA buyers. USPS Priority Mail Express® automatically provides $100 (maximum) for lost or damaged items, but you can purchase more from USPS to fully cover your item if you like. It also comes with a tracking number and proof of delivery signature record.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS
All items shipped to international destinations will now be shipped via USPS Priority Mail Express International?. Delivery is 3-5 business days. It includes a tracking number and up to $200 (maximum) for lost or damaged items, but you can purchase more from USPS to fully cover your item if you like.
IMPORT TAX RESPONSIBILITIES
All import taxes and duties for foreign buyers will be the responsibility of the buyer. Please consult your countries tax requirements for the amount they will require for your import duties. We do not mark items as gifts nor do we place a lower value on the item other than for what it sold. PLEASE DO NOT ASK US TO SEND YOUR ITEM AS A GIFT OR TO MARK THE VALUE LOWER FOR CUSTOMS AS IT IS AGAINST INTERNATIONAL LAWS TO DO SO.
USPS SHIPPING ALERT: USPS can no longer accept or deliver international mail to several countries due to C-19 service impacts. There are International countries who have issued temporary service and guaranteed-delivery suspensions.
Examples of Countries who have issued Impact Statements:
HONG KONG
8-3-20
Hong Kong Post advises that special working arrangements for government employees are extended until Aug. 9. The force majeure situation remains in place, affecting processing and delivery of all types of mail with an impact on quality of service.
CHINA
China Post says delays should be expected in mail transport, processing and delivery.
7-21-20
China Post advises that several provinces in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are experiencing flooding resulting from heavy rains. There are disruptions in the collection, delivery and transportation of all inbound and outbound international mail to and from Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Guangxi, Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, Chongqing, Sichuan, Zhejiang and Guizhou provinces. Processing, transportation and delivery of inbound items to these provinces may be delayed. China Post is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure.
3-23-20
Priority Mail Express International guarantee suspended. Due to airline travel restrictions and cancellations, the U.S. Postal Service has temporarily suspended the guarantee on Priority Mail Express International destined to China. This suspension will be in effect until further notice. The Postal Service is taking all reasonable measures to minimize impact to our customers.
REGARDING NON-PAYING BIDDERS & AUCTION WINNERS WITH BUYER'S REMORSE: PLEASE ASK YOUR QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU BID! PLEASE DO NOT WAIT TO ASK QUESTIONS AFTER YOU BID BECAUSE IT IS VERY STRESSFUL TO THIS OLD SELLER! DO NOT BID IF YOU ARE BUYING ON SPECULATION WITH NO REAL INTENTION TO PAY IMMEDIATELY. ALL PAYMENTS ARE DUE IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIPT OF INVOICE. IF YOU HAVE NOT PAID FOR YOUR INVOICE AFTER 48 HOURS POST AUCTION, YOUR ACCOUNT WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY REPORTED TO EBAY AND YOU WILL RISK BEING BLOCKED FROM ALL OUR FUTURE SALES. NON-PAYING BIDDERS ARE HURTFUL TO THE UNDERBIDDER WHO WANTED TO BUY THE ITEM JUST AS MUCH AS YOU. NON-PAYING BIDDERS ARE ALSO HURTFUL TO THE SELLER BECAUSE BY THE TIME THE AUCTION IS OVER, WE MAY HAVE LOST THE UNDERBIDDER. IF YOU WIN AN ITEM, PLEASE PAY IMMEDIATELY SO WE CAN REMAIN ON GOOD TERMS. THERE ARE MANY NICE THINGS TO COME AND YOU NEED TO PLAY FAIR.
We will be offering other fine, authentically old, Asian art works for sale in the coming weeks, so please be sure to check out our Other Items and Save Us as a Favorite Seller!
Best regards,
St. Antiques 💖
On Aug-19-20 at 16:18:27 PDT, seller added the following information:
