Featured Help Identifying 3rd and final Chinese Scroll Artist 3 of 3

Third and final scroll from the lot. My gut tell me Heaven with Angels flying above mythical figures, as I do recognize Zhong Kui, a Taoist deity in Chinese mythology by his evil detector antennas fying over his head. This is the largest of the three, at 85”*32” total with painting 53”*27”. Hoping once again to find out the story in the scripture and artist if possible. There is also script logographics on the outside as with the last one posted when rolled up that might provide some info. @gckimm has been invaluable with these


‘thank you all for any input or experience shared.

 

An area I know little about, BUT BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK!!!!!!!!!!

 

This is my favourite of the three, great detail and expression, and totally crazy. Excellent quality, not that the other ones aren't.

Maybe Immortals and heavenly nymphs? At least everyone is having a good time. And that phoenix rather fancies himself.

 

Thank you, I was saving the best for last . If I were a phoenix, I’d rather fancy myself too. Maybe he’s just frustrated at chauffeuring those beautiful nymphs all day.

 

Wonderful work Marco-beautifully animated scenes.Have you focused on Asian art most of your life ?

 

thank you, never collected a thing in my life. Well that was up till about 13 years ago. My enjoyment comes from the hunt for history stories on items. Now I have over a thousand+ pieces not counting what’s been sold or donated. Only a very few are dear to me. 85% Chinese or Asian as I find their history endless. Sometimes I’m the fly, sometimes the windshield but always satisfied with the outcome. Not very materialistic, for when I buy a repo, I still get to learn its intended historic reference. This Group has consistently been outstanding for me since 2018. I might disappear from time to time but rest assure, I’m lurking.

 

Marco-What got you collecting ? Sounds like you started late,inasmuch as a lot of Us were almost born to it.
Love Asian Art-esp Japanese. I just find Japanese aesthetics more delicate than Chinese- more Zen,less Baroque.I do think Chinese artisanship is every bit as accomplished as Chinese.
I take it for granted most Chinese Art I can afford is repro- beautiful yes,but a later repro.
PS-I think the Chinese are also re-popping Japanese & ALL other desirable art forms.Same goes for the rest of under-developed world ie: Mexican 'Navajo' Rugs.

 

My wife of 13 years.

 

I understand Your inspiration.

 

This painting is entitled "The Crowd of Immortals Wishes Long Life" and depicts at least some of the Eight Immortals along with the God of Longevity (the old man riding the crane in the center. Sorry, the immortal with the hat with "wings" is Cao Guojiu; Zhong Kui is fatter and has a bushy beard. According to the inscription, the painting was a birthday gift from the husband of one sister to the husband of another sister, that is, between two brothers-in-law. The painting has a date. What helps to pinpoint the year is that the recipient of the scroll is addressed by a title (太守) indicating that he is an imperial official, the prefect of a prefecture. Since imperial titles were no longer used after the Chinese Republic was established in 1912, I think the best guess for year is 1898. The scroll has no artist signature or seal. It just says that the gift giver wrote the inscription.

 

Once again I am very grateful for your help. Antiquers must be very proud to have your knowledge added to its wealth of information and experience provided and shared. Thanks.

‘as a passing thought of Chinese custom, generally I haven’t notice paintings not signed or at the least possibly stamped. Then again I never really stop to notice as well. Is it common practice to always sign ones art, especially one of this level of artistry or are there many in that time slot not signed? The reason behind my question, is might the artist be the brother-in-law gift giver, hence his skill set was understood. Thinking who would gift an imperial officer an unknown piece of work unless it was well established.
Opinions welcomed

asking for a friend…

 

She is lovely, mmarco.

 

Maybe the subject had special meaning for him, or was thought to help in a specific situation?

 

谢谢

 

@gckimm thanks for freely sharing your linguistic knowledge here-it's a blessing !
We've had Translators before,but it seems our Asian contributors often show up and then disappear for extended periods of time. Hey-no problem with that,after all-nobody here's on salary, I get it !
But again-thanks.

 

Yes, I thought that the artist might be the person giving the gift, but there is nothing to verify that, if it is true. I did an internet search for the gift giver, whose name was Guo Wenyuan, and did not see anything about him as an painter.

 

I can’t thank you enough*thumbs up*

thanks to @gckimm, I have so much more appreciation for all 3 scroll. Knowing additional parts of information makes me appreciate their history be it long or short.

so I really only have one question left that I just can’t figure out on this last scroll.
What is the symbolism of the person with a tree branch hat I think being reprimanded by nymph,

there’s always one party pooper at every birthday party

updatedoops, not a tree hat, carrying a vase with plant, but what is it symbolizing?

 

The nymph is prodding him, "move along please sir, nothing to see here".

 

You’re funny Now that’s something I am familiar with as a child .
What ever the case she has the total attention of the gondolier and the Immortal.

*pondering* must have been a personal joke between the brother-in-law’s

 

I am not sure of the identity of the woman above. My first guess would Magu, an immortal associated with longevity and healing. The boy with her is just a servant, and it looks to me like he is carrying a vase with a deer antler in it. Deer antlers are used in traditional Chinese medicine. In keeping with the theme of the painting, it would be a birthday gift. The figure could also be Lan Caihe, one of the Eight Immortals, who is usually portrayed holding a basket of flowers. Lan Caihe is often shown with a deer, a symbol of longevity. In this case, the deer could be represented just by an antler.