Late 19th Century Monumental Qing Dynasty Chinese Ancestral Portrait

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Description

During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) every important family honored their ancestors via portraits such as this. The gentleman portrayed was … Read more During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) every important family honored their ancestors via portraits such as this. The gentleman portrayed was a fifth-rank official in the Qing Dynasty. A position in the upper-middle tier of the imperial bureaucracy. As a fifth-rank official he was a trusted bureaucrat or military officer. One who wielded significant operational power. Fifth-rank roles included:

Leaders of the Finance, Rites, or Punishment Administrations.
Prefects or Governors of medium-to-large cities or regions.
Scholar Examiners responsible for grading the provincial imperial exams.
Military Officials commanding regional units, garrisons, and naval squadrons.
Regimental Commanders responsible for they defense of key outposts or coastal zones.
Imperial Bodyguards assigned to guard the Forbidden City.

His winter robe is in a deep blue - the official color of the Qing dynasty. It's fur collar and lining indicates he is a man of means. Atop his fur hat is a gold pendant consisting of a clear quartz crystal finial. With a small blue sapphire cabochon set directly below into the gold filigree base. Decorated with small pearls. The square rank badge at the center of his robe includes a golden quail amidst clouds - a symbol of courage. Nearby is a "wan" the Chinese symbol which translated means "all things."

The artist used black ink and paint created from mineral and vegetable pigments. Applied to rice paper which was later mounted on silk. The painted black frame with gold leaf insert is backed with masonite.

Artwork alone measures 29.75" side x 55.75" high.
With frame measures 35.25' wide x 61.25" high x 2" deep.

Painting itself is in very good condition with almost no paint loss (see photos for details).
The frame displays minor dings, scratches, and marks and is slightly warped. See less