Who are these people?

Hi guys and gals

Does anyone know who these people are or what these images are? Not sure how to title them in auction. Thank you for any help

 

Looks like Qing Dynasty Chinese aristocracy.

 

Call them Ancestor Portraits.

 

Westerners buy the originals, but many Chinese think it's inauspicious and inappropriate to hang someone else's ancestors on the wall as decoration.

 

Thank you !!! I would have never guessed Any idea if these are painted or prints? I can't tell. I added the pictures of the back

 

I think they are likely prints. I would expect originals to be quite large - life-sized - and painted on silk, but I don't know the cultural imperatives surrounding these. Smaller sizes might be common. The people shown here were of rank and position. They wouldn't scrimp on something like this. Others may know a lot more than me.

 

The originals of these can be life size. My ex-grandmother-in-law was a high end home decorator back in the 40s and 50s and she had one in her living room. They are quite awesome in person.

 

Very true. It's sort of like having portraits of strangers hanging around the house. Kind of strange if you have no relation to them; hung portraits are generally of family.