Chen Jiayan (1599-After 1679)

signed Chen Jiayan, dated jiachen (1664) spring, the third lunar month, with two seals of the artist, chen jia yan yin, xiu zhu wu lu

Kaikodo Journal, Autumn 1997, cat. 16, pp. 114, 305-309

1. Journeys on Paper and Silk: The Roy and Marilyn Papp Collection of Chinese Painting, Phoenix Art Museum, February 28-April 19, 1998
2. Hidden Meanings of Love and Death in Chinese Painting: Selections from the Marilyn and Roy Papp Collection, Phoenix Art Museum, April 27-September 2, 2013
3. Lyrical Traditions: Four Centuries of Chinese Paintings from the Papp Collection, The Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville, June 22-October 7, 2007

1. Yilin Yuekan, Beijing: Zhongguo Huaxue Yanjiu Hui, no. 70, p. 9
2. So-gen Min-shin Meiga Taikan (Collection of Masterpieces of the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties), Tokyo: Otsuka Kogeisha, 1931, pl. 182
3. Kinjiro Harada, The Pagent of Chinese Painting, Tokyo: Otsuka Kogeisha, 1936, p. 709
4. Kinjiro Harada, Nihon Genzai Shina Meiga Mokuroku, Kyoto: Risen Shoten, 1938, p. 183
5. Osvald Sirén, Chinese Painting: Leading Masters and Principles, vol. VII, NY: The Ronald Press Company, 1956, p. 161
6. Journeys on Paper and Silk: The Roy and Marilyn Papp Collection of Chinese Painting, Phoenix Art Museum, 1998, cat. 20, p. 64-677.
7. Hidden Meanings of Love and Death in Chinese Painting: Selections from the Marilyn and Roy Papp Collection, Phoenix Art Museum, 2013, cat. 5, pp. 18, 85

- Paper bears darkened tone. - Restoration of paper loss and ink loss can be found.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

'The Papp painting is dated 1664, when Chen Jiayan was in his prime at sixty-six sui. The handling of the brush is strong and vibrant and the tone darkened and somber, except for each peach blossom. A tendency toward bristling power has shown itself, but it is tempered and well within control, unlike those bombastic works of his last decades. Thematically, the pine is a symbol of rectitude and longevity. The narcissus, hovering about the pine, suggests immortals celebrating long life; along that line the blooming peach is also appropriate. The pair of magpies connotes good tidings, especially where conjugal happiness is concerned. In all, it is a painting that was meant for an older couple, for their everlasting life as well as for continual marital bliss.'
- Journeys on Paper and Silk, p. 67