PORTRAIT OF A BEAUTY CHINESE SCHOOL, QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

Chinese School, oil on canvas; depicted seated with one arm poised on a table, hands clasping a swathe of red silk, wearing a crisp blue silk robe bordered with embroidered roses and butterflies, the hardstone clasp suspending a string of pearls and bright green jadeite beads, a pair of matching jadeite and gold bangles on each wrist and jadeite and gold triple-loop earrings, the long black hair pulled up and secured with jadeite and floral hair pins, the oval face of pale complexion with a slight blush in the cheeks, the dark almond-shaped eyes with direct, open gaze, wood frame

European Private Collection, acquired in China, circa 1915.

The painting has been cut down from its original size. It has an approx. 47-cm vertical line of consolidation and restoration at the proper left side, and two horizontal lines with the same treatment by the figure's forehead (approx. 30-cm each). There is additional consolidation and restoration, especially to the proper right lower corner and around the figure's left arm. The glaze is suffused with craquelure as expected. The painting has been re-lined and varnished. Please note that this lot includes a stand, frame or other component made from a type of Chinese hardwood, which, if exported, will require a CITES permit to leave the United States.
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 present subject has long been attributed to one of the great beauties of Chinese culture, the Qianlong emperor’s consort Xiang Fei, ‘The Fragrant Concubine’ and to the finest European painter in the imperial court, Giuseppe Castiglione known as Lang Shining. Despite the evident loveliness of the subject, it is more likely that the painting represents a feminine ideal. Images of flawless, alluring women, painted in either suggestive or passive attitudes were sought after by the male elite.