CUI; ZIZHONG
1574 - 1644 - attributed. Elegant lady with attendance strolling in early spring.
China. Late Ming dynasty. Colors and ink on silk. Mounted as hanging scroll. Length 265cm; width 69.5cm; picture size 128 x 49.8cm. In a wide landscape a lady dressed in costly silk robes with a jade pendant at her waist and elaborately made up hair is strolling at a water bank. She turns to her attendant; who is likely dressed in silk robes and carries a flower basket on her back. Near to a rock arrangement with a railing; which shows that this is rather a garden or park; a slender weeping willow is growing. This tree is compared to the beauty and elegance of ladies. In the foreground some prunus are flowering near rocks.

The painting is accomplished skillfully and with much detail. The ladies are shown with bright faces; delicate hands and slender; stretched bodies. The landscape conveys width and the season is transmitted by detail. Sign.: Qing Yin Cui Zi Zhong Xie - painted by Qingying Cui. Seal: Cui Zi Zhong Yin - Seal of the painter. On the outside of the scroll: Cui Qing Yin Xian Sheng Xie Zhen Ren Wu Zhen Ji - Portrait of a lady by Cui Qingyin. Condition B/C. Restored; traces of use according to age; darkened; blemished and folded.

Provenance:
-Collection Oskar Graf 1873-1958 and C鋍ilie Graf-Pfaff 1862-1939.
-Rhenish private collection by inheritance.

Info Caecilie and Oscar Graf-Pfaff CollectionArt trade; Van Ham.