Vintage Chinese Tempera on Silk Painting – Swallow and Chrysanthemums –

Details

Description

This exquisite vintage Chinese tempera painting on silk, titled Swallow and Chrysanthemums, is framed and sold by the legendary Art … Read more This exquisite vintage Chinese tempera painting on silk, titled Swallow and Chrysanthemums, is framed and sold by the legendary Art Lore Decorative Arts Gallery and Frame Company of New York, established in 1947 and operated until its closure in 2016. The painting, measuring 30" x 30" in its remarkable frame with a visible image size of 22" x 22", is an elegant representation of traditional Chinese botanical art.

The composition features delicately rendered chrysanthemums in full bloom, their pale yellow petals meticulously layered with soft gradients, accompanied by verdant foliage and slender, winding branches. A small swallow, painted with lifelike precision, perches among the blossoms, capturing a moment of natural grace. The background is a warm ochre hue with subtle textural variations, adding depth and a sense of age to the piece. The artist's chop mark is visible in the upper right, suggesting a connection to classical Chinese painting traditions.

The work appears to reference Chrysanthemum and Sparrow, a painting attributed to Emperor Huizong of the Northern Song dynasty (1082-1135, reigned 1100-1125). The meticulous brushwork, attention to natural details, and harmonious composition reflect the stylistic hallmarks of the emperor's legacy.

The frame itself is a work of art: constructed from eight distinct segments, it features gilt corner edges adorned with faint ghosted foliage imagery. The sides are carved from what appears to be mahogany, adding a warm, organic texture that complements the painting's botanical theme. The back bears a gallery tag with the title, artist attribution to Tang Yin, and an inventory number, further attesting to its provenance.

This painting stands as a testament to timeless artistry and the enduring appeal of classical Chinese aesthetics, preserved with exceptional craftsmanship in its vintage frame. See less