Zhang Ruocheng (1722-1770); and the Qianlong Emperor (1711-1799)
Ink landscape with imperial inscription
Hand scroll, ink on paper, the frontpiece reading Luo zhi yun yan with a seal of the Qianlong emperor, followed by the imperial colophon with two seals of the emperor, the painting signed chen Ruocheng jing xie followed by one seal of the aritst , with a gilt metal end piece and jade clasp, together with a silk-lined zitan box.
1 1/2 x 6 1/2in (3.8 x 16.5cm) the painting, 1 3/8 x 4in (3.5 x 10.2cm) the colophone, 1 1/2 x 4in (3.8 x 10.2cm) the frontpiece
Hand scroll, ink on paper, the frontpiece reading Luo zhi yun yan with a seal of the Qianlong emperor, followed by the imperial colophon with two seals of the emperor, the painting signed chen Ruocheng jing xie followed by one seal of the aritst , with a gilt metal end piece and jade clasp, together with a silk-lined zitan box.
1 1/2 x 6 1/2in (3.8 x 16.5cm) the painting, 1 3/8 x 4in (3.5 x 10.2cm) the colophone, 1 1/2 x 4in (3.8 x 10.2cm) the frontpiece
Sold for
US$ 74,500
inc. premium
Footnotes
- 張若澄, 乾隆帝 山水與乾隆帝御筆詩 水墨紙本 手絹
The diminutive size and silk-lined zitan box indicate that this charming work was once a part of an imperial "treasure box" (duobaoge, where numerous miniaturized antiques, including jades, porcelains and paintings would be stored. In contrast to the monumental works that serve as statements of imperial pomp, these intimate treasure boxes were created for the inner quarters of the imperial palaces, and intended to be enjoyed by the emperor and his family.
The artist of this scroll Zhang Ruocheng, and his elder brother Zhang Ruo'ai (1713-1746) both served the Qianlong court as high officials and were also well-regarded for their painting and calligraphy. Several examples of their miniature scrolls and albums are extent in museum collections worldwide. A painting in imitation of the 13th century Chen Rong composition Nine Dragons attributed to Zhang Ruo'ai is in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts (1971.324), and a diminutive album of landscapes and calligraphy by Zhang Ruocheng is in the collection of the Stanford University Museum of Art (82.214.4).
see also Masterpieces of Chinese Miniature Crafts in the National Palace Museum Taipei, 1971
Category: Asian Art / Chinese Paintings
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