Early 20th Century Antique Large Scale Chinese Ancestor Portraits Painted on Silk - A Pair

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This pair of large-scale antique Chinese ancestor portraits, likely from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), depicts an emperor and empress. These … Read more This pair of large-scale antique Chinese ancestor portraits, likely from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), depicts an emperor and empress. These silk paintings traditionally honored deceased family members. The emperor is shown in a red robe adorned with dragon motifs, while the empress wears a robe featuring phoenix designs, both significant symbols of their status.

The portraits showcase meticulous brushwork and vibrant colors characteristic of the “gongbi” style. They are estimated to date from the late 19th to early 20th century and are framed in black wood with gold scrolling details. The framing features a variety of silk fabrics assembled as mats, and no glass is used to allow the silk and paint to breathe.

Each framed piece measures 52 inches in height by 28 inches in width overall, while the paintings themselves measure 28 inches in height by 21 inches in width. See less