Chinese Paintings and Screens

This large reverse painting on glass from China circa 1780 to 1790 depicts a dramatic battle scene of numerous horsemen and infantry charging in a very...

China Trade watercolor paintings of exotic birds on branches are in watercolor and gouache on Chinese paper. One picture depicts a pigeon perched on a tree branch with a landscape background. Chinese calligraphy can be seen in the top right corner. The second picture depicts two courting birds in shades of brown, both perched on a branch, also in a landscape background. Both paintings framed with a green silk mat and contemporary gilt and dark wood frame. Reference: Chinese Export...

An impressively sized 19th century Chinese Qing dynasty ancestral portrait painting of a senior official of the first rank in bamboo frame with silk ...

A charming painting of Lord Krishna and his paramour Radha painted in mineral pigments (gouache) with gold and silver highlights circa mid 19th century in Jaipur style of painting. Krishna was a god (an incarnation of god Vishnu) who accomplished great feats and defeated insurmountable demons. However, he is also considered the most playful amongst gods and an epic lover of godly proportions. His love story with Radha (a married woman) has been the subject of much poetry and worship for centuries as it symbolized the divine love. Here, the lovers are depicted in a loving embrace offering one another a lotus flower. Radha is often depicted hopelessly resisting Krishna's advances as in this painting. The couple's heads are circled by a halo, signifying their divinity. The setting is typical of the interior modeling in the 19th century with use of heavy curtains...

Bamboo in moonlight Gamo Rakan (1784-1866) Hanging scroll, ink on silk. Dimensions: Scroll: 201 cm x 58 cm Image: 137 cm x 45 cm In this early 19th century work by Gamo Rakan a light ink wash applied to the silk background silhouettes the moon and suggests the atmosphere of early evening. Even though it is a literati subject, Rakan’s bamboo is quite realistic with a strong decorative style. The painting finds its inspiration from Chinese Ming dynasty painters who often used a single-tone, jet black stroke to emphasize the calligraphic nature of bamboo. In a different era, decorative would have been seen as somewhat unrefined. But increasingly in the Edo period, it was the hallmark of high style. The Japanese people, in particular the rising merchant class, had gradually become apathetic toward the traditional Sesshu and Kano schools of painting. Chinese professional and amateur painters living in the port of Nagasaki during the 18th century had a profound effect on Japanese painting and the freshness of their style and its decorative appeal contributed greatly to its popularity. Gamo Rakan’s teacher, Tani Buncho...

A nice pair of Chinese ancestor family group portraits, 19th century, on paper, framed in teak frames under glass. Twelve characters total in per...

Birds & Flowers of the seasons Pheasants & Plum in Snow Unframed painting. Ink, pigment and gofun on silk Kano Chikanobu 1819-1888 Signature...

Antique Chinese Export rice paper pith watercolor paintings. Featuring a man and woman in blue robes; framed in deeply beveled floral Aesthetic Period giltwood frames. Measures: 1...

Vintage traditional style watercolor and ink landscape painting on silk (applied to paper backing) - hand painted - silk damask textile border - signed with a red seal lower right (u...

Poppies & Butterflies Ink, pigment and gofun on silk Igarashi Chikusa (1774-1844) Signature: Chikusa Ran Zen Upper Seal: Ran Shuzen Lower Seal: Kyoho Dimensions: Scroll: H. 68” x W. 18” (172cm x 45cm) Image: H. 38.5’’ x W. 12.5’’ (98cm x 32cm) This composition shows elegant images of poppies and the butterflies that are inevitably drawn to them. It captures a momentary glimpse into a world both visually dazzling and startlingly realistic. The painting is infused with sensitivity and attention to seasonal change and weather conditions. The thin and fragile poppies are beautifully depicted with brilliant colors and the butterflies are similarly infused with life. The painting is on silk which requires extremely precise painting skills as no element once painted can be removed. Poppies were a favorite subject of Rinpa school artists through the ages. Originally they were somewhat abstracted but by the age of Sakai Hoitsu...

A charming and rare set of six Chinese gouaches of male and female nobility in various costumes, with attendants, painted on pith paper. Beautifully framed and matted. During the 18...

Chinese Pheasants Yoshizawa Setsuan (1809-1889) Hanging scroll, ink and color on silk. Painting inscription: Setsuan Houyou Upper seal: Y...