1972 Italian Chinese Qing Court Lady Silk Portrait, Folio 6, Framed

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Elegant vintage Chinese court portrait from the 1972 Italian portfolio Antichi Ritratti Cinesi, published in Milan by Edizioni Beatrice d’Este … Read more Elegant vintage Chinese court portrait from the 1972 Italian portfolio Antichi Ritratti Cinesi, published in Milan by Edizioni Beatrice d’Este / Arti Grafiche Ricordi.
This is Tavola 6, “Ritratto di dama in costume di corte,” translated as “Portrait of a Lady in Court Costume.” The portfolio identifies the subject as dating to the early Qing (Ch’ing) dynasty, 17th to 18th century. The accompanying Italian text describes her as an aristocratic court woman, probably the wife of a high-ranking court figure.
The image is a richly detailed color print on silk, characteristic of this unusual Italian portfolio. The seated noblewoman wears elaborate court dress and an ornate headdress. Of particular interest is the square rank badge on her chest featuring a crane amid stylized clouds and celestial motifs.
The portrait is presented under glass with a wide dark brown mat, cream inner mat, and a slender vintage gilt wood frame accented with subtle red detailing. The restrained framing complements the deep brown, blue, gold, and ivory tones of the portrait without competing with the image.
A striking decorative piece for a traditional, Asian-inspired, collected, or eclectic interior, and an interesting example of mid-20th-century Italian publishing devoted to historic Chinese portraiture.

Dimensions:
21 1/4" H × 17 1/4" W × 1" D
Period: 1972
Origin: Italy
Publisher: Edizioni Beatrice d’Este / Arti Grafiche Ricordi, Milan
Medium: Color print on silk
Subject: Chinese Qing dynasty court lady
Folio: Tavola 6 See less