20th century AD. A rectangular paper panel on a fabric backing with wooden roller; painted scene depicting Hai Liu seated on the three-legged toad in a landscape with flowers, holding up on of the gold coins which he uses for bait; panel of calligraphic text and on red chop seal; attributed to Chou Ying. Property of a Kent, UK collector. Chou Ying, (1494-1552), was a Chinese painter who specialized in the gongbi brush technique. He painted with the support of wealthy patrons, creating images of flowers, gardens, religious subjects, and landscapes in the fashions of the Ming dynasty. He incorporated different techniques into his paintings, and acquired a few wealthy patrons. His talent and versatility allowed him to become regarded as one of the Four Masters of the Ming dynasty. The three legged toad is known as Jin Chan, which means golden toad in Chinese and is said to appear during the full moon, near houses or businesses that will soon receive good news, usually in the form of wealth. 583 grams, 199 x 53cm overall, image 78 x 34cm (78 1/2 x 20 3/4"). [No Reserve]

Very fine condition.