A LARGE SILK KESI PANEL Qing dynasty, mid 18th century

finely woven with a scene of the Qunxian zhushou(the Immortals offering birthday congratulations to the Queen Mother of the West), depicting Xiwangmu and her attendants seated atop a crane as they descend to meet Shoulao and the Eight Daoist Immortals standing on a terrace amidst pine and peach trees, all above a rushing river with further groups of Immortals standing along the shore bearing gifts, all within a broad boarder of antique vessels reserved on a dark blue ground

 



 

The kesi is in general good condition with areas of loss, tear and stains. There are areas of repair, including the top right corner, the mountains behind Zhang Guolao riding on a donkey to the lower right side and that behind Liu Hai to the lower left section. There are general areas of loss, including the peach tree in the centre near the top, and towards the bottom half of the panel. There are stains to the top right corner of the blue border and along the yellow border. The colours are lightly faded.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This kesi depicts the Peach Festival, a popular Daoist theme associated with the birthday celebration of Xiwangmu, the Queen Mother of the West. According to legend, this event only took place in the Western Paradise once every 3000 years. Here the immortals are shown in the Turquoise Pond (Yaochi) on Mount Kunlun. At the top the Jade Maidens accompany Xiwangmu who rides a phoenix, and is greeted by the Three Star Gods. Various divinities, their attendants and the Eight Immortals descend from the cave on the left and cross the bridge to ascend up the right.

 

The scene depicted was probably taken from a painting and several similar variations are known; a closely related kesi, but lacking the border of antiques and woven with four larges characters at the top, huafeng sanzhu (three blessings at the frontier), is illustrated in John E Vollmer, Silks for Thrones and Altars. Chinese Costumes and Textiles, Paris, 2003, pl. 58. Compare also an example, from the Chris Hall Collection Trust, published in Feng Zhao, Treasures in Silk, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 10.10; another sold in our New York rooms, 30^th March 2006, lot 201; and a slightly later version from the collection of Dr Ip Yee, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 19^th November 1984, lot 127.