Ink and watercolors on thin paper
China, presumably 18th century
Attributed to Shangguan Zhou (?? ?, c. 1665-1749) – Major painter of the Qing Dynasty
Sensitive Portraits with inscriptions
Dimensions: 22 x 32.9 cm; 22.2 x 32.6 cm
Provenance: Private collection, North Rhine -Westphalia; owned by the family for over 50 years; previously in the collection of the painter, graphic artist, cultural politician and museum director Paul Waligora (1907-1968).
Rare pair of masterful artworks, attributed to a master of 18th century Chinese painting

These three paintings are attributed to the Chinese artist Shangguan Zhou (?? ?, c. 1665-1749), one of the most famous painters of the Qing dynasty. They depict important figures of Chinese history. On the one hand the Tang poet Liu Yuxi (???, 772-842) sitting on his chair and on the other the Marquis of Ye, Li Mi (??, 722-789), who was considered a genius in matters of foreign policy.



The image of the poet Liu Yuxi was printed in Zhou’s woodcut album ‘Wan Xiao Tang Hua Zhuan (? ? ? ? ?)’. First published in 1743, the Wan Xiao Tang Hua Zhuan is a widely popular and admired woodcut album, in which over 120 well-known personalities of Chinese history are portrayed. A detailed caption, putting the sitter in their historical context, is written next to each figure. The woodcut album was made by wood cutters in Canton Province after originals painted by Shangguan Zhou. The epilogue of the album, which was written by Shangguan Zhou's friend, notes that Shangguan often painted historical figures from his imagination whilst reading classic books, illustrating the portraits with biographical and historical notes.

The woodcut album was created in Shangguan Zhou's last years of life and is considered a milestone in Chinese portraiture due to the very individualized representation of the sitters the woodcut album.



The two paintings are not only of importance because of their relation to the woodcut album. The fine brushwork, especially of the facial features, is a wonderful example of the height of Chinese portraiture.



Since the paintings probably served as templates for woodcuts, they are neither signed nor stamped.



The paintings are in fair condition with some marginal blemishes consistent with age. The portrait of Liu Yuxi shows water stains and discoloration. The lower edge shows a tear (approx. 2 cm). The portrait of Li Mi also shows water stains and discoloration. There are holes to the lower corners. The sheet dimensions are 22 x 32.9 cm and 22.2 x 32.6 cm respectively.

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.