A LARGE AND IMPRESSIVE FAMILLE-ROSE PANEL QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH CENTURY

the rectangular panel painted with a bustling agricultural village scene, with figures variously engaged in pursuits of weaving, grain storage, making a haystack, carrying produce along and over a river, fabric examination and with four of the village dignitaries gathered around a table drinking tea, mounted as a table screen in a wood frame and elaborate carved and pierced wood stand

The panel is in general very good condition, with the exception of minor enamel flakes/wear, surface scratches and minor glaze firing imperfections. There is an area of concentrated kiln grit/sand adhesion to the mid-right of the panel, and some at the bottom right corner. There are some larger burst-glaze bubbles to the panel, such as the hut at bottom right corner and the mountains on the upper-right section of the panel. The white enamels with minor crackling overall, as characteristic of the period.
"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 panel is painted with a complex scene of village life depicting scholars drinking in a pavilion, boys playing and women dyeing and pulling cloth. The scene is enclosed by tall flowering trees and mountain peaks painted with texture strokes and washes in green and blue, following the tradition of Chinese paintings. Depictions of idyllic country retreats were sought after by court officials, as they served as sources of inspiration for reflection and escape from the duties of officialdom.

Porcelain table screens of this impressive size and painted with figures in landscape are unusual, although one of similar size was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 27^th November 1981, lot 955; and another was sold at Christie’s London, 19^th March 1985, lot 308. Compare also a smaller screen painted with a similar idyllic scene, sold in these rooms, 4^th September 1975, lot 142.