Asian hanging wall print
10 February 2023
Description

Large, colorful, intricate wall hanging recently purchased at an estate sale. Porcelain scrolls handles, silk ribbon hanger, thin paper-like fabric. Two subtle creases on both sides, a couple scant stains on print and handle. Rolls up and is stored in box, which has some mild edge wear. Would like to know the artist and nationality, what is written on the piece, date of production, title and fair market value . Additionally, and only if possible without a lot of extra research, note the genre, any school of art and an estimate of the number of prints made.

Dimensions

62 3/4"(l) x 23 7/8"(w)

Provenance

Local estate sale.

Acquired from
Other
For sale
Yes
Answered within 3 days
By David U.
Feb 14, 09:17 UTC
Fair Market Value
$4,500 - $5,500 USD
Suggested Asking Price $5,000 USD
What does this mean?

Hello Richard,

Thank you for choosing Mearto with your online appraisal.

Based on the images, this item is:

A remarkable Chinese watercolor on paper (probably mulberry or pith paper) painting entitled "Concubine of Tang Dynasty" depicting, most likely based on the symbology, Shangguan Wan’er (AD 664-710), often known as the “female prime minister and concubine” to Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in the Chinese history, influenced both the political and the literary world in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-908), which is a rare case in Chinese history.

Prostitutes in the ancient Chinese society had a very interesting role in comparison to those understood as "good women". Where “good” women were expected to be chaste, whores were promiscuous; where “good” women were expected to be meek, whores were bold; where “good” women were expected to be ignorant, whores were well-educated; where “good” women were supposed to be submissive, whores accepted or rejected clients as we pleased; and where “good” women were prisoners of convention, whores flouted it. Prostitution in China dates back as early as 771 BC, consisting mostly of slave consorts or captured wives and daughters of enemies. It was during the Tang Dynasty where courtesans became an integral part of society.

This print has a poem related to the Concubine. The reason lies when girls who had either lost their family to war or been orphaned at an young age were sent to music and dance schools run by the government known as jiaofang (教坊). They would be taught music, dancing, and literature for future employment as entertainers / concubines. This poem is an excerpt of the long poem “Pipa xing” (琵琶行) by Bai Juyi (白居易) a renowned poet and government official of that time speaking about music and concubines.

The artist of this painting is most likely Tang Yin (唐寅,1470–1524), better known by his courtesy name Tang Bohu (唐伯虎), was a Chinese scholar, painter, calligrapher, and poet of the Ming Dynasty whose life story has become a part of popular lore. Tang Yin is one of the most famous painters in the history of Chinese art that focused his painting on women, concubines, etc. Without any additional document this is unclear. If e compare this painting to other similar ones, this painting was perhaps painted during early 16th century. It does not belong to any known series.

Good condition, unframed. Porcelain scrolls.

Retail prices may vary.

Richard r samuel Feb 14, 14:51 UTC

David U...
Thank you for your through evaluation and discussion of this piece. Very interesting and informative background information.
Is it your opinion that this work is an original from the 16th(?) century artist mentioned, or simply a later reproduction. If the latter, when and where was it most likely reproduced?
Thank you for your opinion.
Richard Samuel

David u. Feb 14, 16:08 UTC

Hello Richard. I would say it looks like an original piece, but unfortunately there is no proof or additional document that support it. In any case, it looks like it.

Richard r samuel Feb 14, 17:00 UTC

Thank you sir.

Richard r samuel Feb 14, 17:20 UTC

Thank you sir.

Richard r samuel Feb 14, 17:26 UTC

David...
One final question. If we decide to put this piece up for sale on the Mearto Marketplace or elsewhere, what is a reasonable starting asking price based on your appraisal? Thank you.
Richard

David u. Feb 15, 08:49 UTC

Hello Richard. I would say a reasonable asking price would be 5000 $.

Have a nice day,
David

Do you have a similar item and want to know how much it’s worth?

Communicate directly with a qualified specialist and get a fair market valuation of your item, typically in 48 hours or less.

Similar item appraisals

24 Mar, 2024
Lithograph by Jus...
Prints
Estimate: No appraisals
18 Mar, 2024
Bernard Smith - W...
Prints
Estimate: No appraisals
16 Mar, 2024
The Promised Rose
Prints
Estimate: No appraisals
5 Mar, 2024
Six Asian “post c...
Prints
Estimate: $190 - $300
5 Mar, 2024
Justin Wells lith...
Prints
Estimate: No appraisals
26 Feb, 2024
Orlando Quevedo s...
Prints
Estimate: No appraisals
24 Feb, 2024
The Dance of Fury
Prints
Estimate: No appraisals
24 Feb, 2024
Shades of Betrayal
Prints
Estimate: No appraisals
24 Feb, 2024
Three black women...
Prints
Estimate: No appraisals