CY165 Queen Mother Of The West – Detailed Chinese Painting On Silk 42x25 I35x21
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:7624 | Region of Origin: Chinese |
| Primary Material: Silk | Product: Painting/Scroll |
| Features: Handpainted, Signed | Age: Post-1940 |
| Original/Repro: Contemporary |
This is a highly detailed Chinese painting on silk of Xi Wangmu, Queen Mother of the West, riding a phoenix and approaching her palace pavilion on the shore of Jasper Lake. Xi Wangmu, Queen Mother of the West, reigns supreme as the most senior of all the female immortals and was the dispenser of prosperity, longevity and eternal bliss. She represents integrity and virtue. Her palace is bedecked in gold and precious stones and is the location where the gods hold their banquets. The phra...se “returning to Jasper Lake” was a polite euphemism for the passing away of an elderly lady. She is frequently seen with a phoenix or cranes. There are lots of parts of the painting that contain hidden symbolic meanings. In the lower left hand side is Canopus, the God of Longevity, holding a peach. The peach, also known as the Fairy Fruit, is an emblem of marriage and a symbol of immortality and springtime. The peach tree of the gods is only said to blossom every 3000 years and only yields peaches 3000 years later. Chinese music is highly symbolic and in its pure and unadulterated form Chinese music entails the study of the Five Elements (metal, wood, water, fire and earth). It is controlled by the Laws of the Universe, which lay down that there are Six Adverse Occasions when certain instruments should not be played (intense cold, great heat, high wind, heavy rain, and thunder and snow storms). There are also Seven Unfavourable Conditions namely, within the sound of mourning, close to other music, when occupied with prosaic affairs, if the body has not been bathed or the clothing is unclean, without burning incense and in the absence of an intelligent listener. The crane is an important symbol of long life as it is said to live for 600 years by just eating, from then on it only drinks, yet continues to live. The pine tree can stand the cold and is evergreen, so is a symbol of longevity and steadfastness. Wisteria are reminiscent of ancient dragons, long associated with the emperor. Purple is a colour associated with the emperor and imperial family. Rocks are an emblem of reliability, hardness and stability. Clouds symbolise good fortune and happiness, especially when they have more than one colour. Some auspicious clouds are harbingers of peace. The painting with decorative woven borders measures 42”x25” (107x63.5 cm) and the image 35”x21” (89x53 cm), these dimensions are approximate. This painting is in perfect condition and is unmounted and unframed. It is part of the extensive stock of paintings that are being sold from an art supplier who is wanting to retire. Do look at all the other lots. What is a Chinese painting on silk? This is a traditional fully boned watercolour painting on a thin silk. Fully boned means it is drawn in outline first and then coloured in (there are boneless paintings that are much more freely painted). In oriental paintings you cannot be considered an original artist until you can paint like their old masters. This means that designs can be repeated, but with only limited numbers, yet they are all hand painted which meets the western comment of being an “original” painting. Once the painting has been finished the silk is glued to a handmade paper backing and have a decorative woven strip border. Being hand produced with natural materials, there may be an odd mark or minor blemish that may not show Being hand produced with natural materials, there may be an odd mark or minor blemish that may not show in the photograph. This is quite normal. Also remember this painting was produced in the late 1980’s or early 1990’s and despite being stored flat may not lie completely flat. For mounting and framing it can be treated just like any paper print. It is not wise to have it bonded to a carrier board, but hinge mounted to the board like a watercolour or limited edition print. The painting will be packed in a postal tube within 3 days as the stock is a 20 minute drive from my home. It will be sent free of charge within the UK by Hermes on a 3 day service and will be insured. A signature on delivery may be required. Shipment can be made abroad via the eBay Global Shipping Service. If you make multiple purchases of paintings at the same time, please pay for all items. If they can be packed together, any savings will be refunded to your PayPal account. So do look at my other listings.
