CHINESE SCHOOL QING DYNASTY, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

ink and colour on silk, finely painted in the court style, depicting scholars engaged in leisurely pursuits within a walled garden, variously drinking tea, playing a qin, painting and walking and talking, in the distance candles are being lit for a lantern festival

From a Belgian Private Collection.

This paintings is generally in good condition, however there is an area of repair with associated split to the upper left section (20cm by 70cm approx). There is also areas of vertical creasing, which has most likely resulted from being laid down for its framing. There is also an area of repair to the upper right area (10cm by 20cm). There is some general surface staining throughout.
"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."

The lush garden occupied by the numerous scholars and attendants within the vast landscape represents a spiritual utopia to which scholars could retreat to escape the difficulties and frustrations of life. These gardens were a place for solitary contemplation or for social gatherings of scholars, where they would drink, converse and engage in scholarly pursuits. Seventeen essential elements needed to be considered and included in creating the gardens, such as plants which were chosen for their symbolism. For example, the pine trees growing from the rocks in this scene represent longevity, persistence and dignity.

The present painting, in its colour palette and painting style, is possibly influenced by the work of court artist Leng Mei (1670-1742) of the Kangxi period. Leng Mei was especially skilled at painting human figures such as court ladies and scholar-officials in a landscape or court garden setting as seen on this piece. For an example of a painting by Leng Mei, painted in a very similar colour palette, see a hanging scroll titled Summer Mountain Resort, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Paintings by the Court Artists of the Qing Court, Hong Kong, 1996, pl. 9.