Four panels in kuancai-technique. Second half 19th century - image-1

Lot 400 Dα

Four panels in kuancai-technique. Second half 19th century

Auction 1061 - overview Cologne
04.12.2015, 14:00 - Asian Art II - Chinese Paintings, Decorative Arts, Porcelain and Ceramics
Estimate: 3.000 € - 5.000 €

Four panels in kuancai-technique. Second half 19th century

Four panels in kuancai-technique, each panel with two square and one round panel reserved from a ground of mother-of-pearl chips with now darkened glue stains of a modern silk matting. The square panels with flowers and birds, signed Li Yu, Mousheng or Moushen and sealed, the round panels with kunqu opera scenes, signed Wu Youru and sealed. The four panels hinged and made into a folding screen. Minor damage. Second half 19th century.
Each panel 126.5 x 39.6 cm

The dating of this screen is based on the dates of the two artist, Li Yu (1843-?), known as a bird-and-flower painter, and Wu Youru (?1850-1893,) a graphic artist who illustrated contemporary novels. He is the author of "Kunqu renwu ceye" (Album of kunqu opera protagonists) which may have inspired the decoration of the round panels.

Provenance

Private Collection, Belgium