Lot 412 , A Chinese ink and colour painting on silk of five Bodhisattvas, Tang / Five dynasties (851-950AD) or later, 145 x 75cm incl. borders
A Chinese ink and colour painting on silk of five Bodhisattvas, Tang / Five dynasties (851-950AD) or later, possibly representing Stages of Enlightenment, each of the figures holding an attribute, and standing upon lotus flowers, with a six character inscription to the upper centre, with a blessing to the Bodhisattvas, later brocade borders, 145 x 75cm incl. borders
Estimate £500-800
Provenance: Private Collection New York purchased before 1965; thence to a family member in the UK.
Stylistically this painting bears close relation to Tang and Five Dynasties examples found at the Qian Fo Dong (Caves of the Thousand Buddhas), Dunhuang, China in 1900. Many of the ancient scrolls and painting fragments from these caves are now in International Museum collections such as the British Museum, London.
Consistent with some age there are areas of losses to the paint and wear to the silk all over, please see additional photographs at www.gorringes.co.uk, with most wear particularly across to the centre with a line running horizontally showing the base weave of the silk and across the centre of the lower figures of the Bodhisattvas, some paint loss to one of the characters of the inscription and there is quite a fair loss of paint and thread along the bottom of the picture with later gilt thread brocade borders, later glazed, framed and mounted, has not been stuck down as you can see some undulation in the silk.
Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.
Sold for £1,100