Chinese scroll painting, by Wang Wenwei Qing/Ming dynasty, 17th c

Chinese scroll painting, by Wang Wenwei. Painting: 48 x 24 inches = 120 cm x 60 cm. Scroll: 52 x 26 inches = 130 cm x 65 cm.

Frame: 50.5 x 31 inches = 126 cm x 77.5 cm. Provenance: from New York collector, before 1950s. Century in China and framed in 1950s in New York, USA. The last 2 images show the eye of the Lu in the upper section and part of the character on the right of the painting under x50 magnification. Age: Exact age is unknown, but the silk is old and there is a high probability of being painted in 17. Painting of Offering Birthday Congratulations by Wang Wenwei, ca. Offering Birthday Congratulations to the elder Kong Tairong. By Wang Wenwei of Jintang. C________ Q_________ notes: I do not know who is Kong Tairong, probably a friend of the artist.

Jintang is the hometown of the artist, probably located in present-day Zhejiang Province. The artist used fine line drawing style to paint the Three Gods of Daoism, Fu, Lu and Shou , together with five children. This is a traditional popular motif of Chinese painting. Meaning blessing, is represented by the middle age man seated in the middle together with three children.

In the mind of Chinese, having more children is a blessing from the heavenly god. Meaning salary and position, is represented by the middle age man seated in the upper section, who wears a uniform of officials from the Ming dynasty. High salary and position are the goals of mens study and hard works. The old age man in the lower section is the god of Shou , meaning Longevity.

The deer beside the Shou also symbolizes Lu , salary and position, since deer in Chinese also pronounce Lu. Actually the Three Gods represent the good fortunes and wishes of Chinese. The item "Chinese scroll painting, by Wang Wenwei Qing/Ming dynasty, 17th c" is in sale since Sunday, August 03, 2014.

This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian Antiques\China\Paintings & Scrolls". The seller is "ukr10" and is located in Clearwater Beach, Florida. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Type: scroll painting
Primary Material: Silk & Fabric
Age: 1600-1700 (?)
Region of Origin: China
Original/Reproduction: Unknown