Measurements: 9 1/2 - 9 5/8 inches (24 - 24.8cm)
A.D. 1911

Provenance:

Capital Gallery

Bohams, New York

Acquisition was made in London. A creation of the group of Eight Great Painters during the last dynasty of China, this set is beautifully hand painted mountain scenery in summertime. A typical style from the old master Chinese paintings, it accentuates the importance of our ancient culture’s connection to nature. The fresh breezy bamboo trees, the mallow straw huts, the misty white fog and a few simple strokes of an old lady with a wooden crutch on stepping stones add to its charm. The shades of green transmit a feeling of coolness and tranquility whenever I gaze at them in hot summertime in Manhattan.

What amazes me is that they were created when China was falling apart with the collapse of the Qing dynasty. Yet the painter seemed to focus on the joyful creation, uninfluenced by the chaotic situation. The painter’s refinery inscripted both his poetic and artist names on the top right corners of the plates.

Translation of the Chinese texts
Xing Hai (year 1911), Xia (summertime), Shiang Tao Learn (artist poetic name), Ci Juo (playfully created) in red seal.

Xuantong, Xing Hai (June 9th, 1911), Luna calendar, May 13th), Qui Fu (artist name), Lee (last name in red seal) Xuantong is inscripted on the back of one plate.