A SET OF FIVE GOLD AND SILVER LUOHAN PAINTINGS, 18TH-19TH CENTURY

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A SET OF FIVE GOLD AND SILVER LUOHAN PAINTINGS, 18TH-19TH CENTURY China. Gold and silver pigments on Indigo-dyed paper. Expert’s note The sumptuous combination of gold and silver on a deep midnight-blue ground belongs to one of the most refined traditions of Chinese manuscript and painting production. The luxurious blue paper is called ciqing zhi (磁青紙) and traditionally dyed with indigo, polished, and sometimes even waxed to create its characteristic rich blue-black surface. Particularly favored for Buddhist scriptures and works of art, it provided an ideal ground for decoration executed in gold and silver pigments. The tradition remained in use throughout the Qing dynasty, including for imperial commissions. One of the most celebrated examples is the magnificent Tibetan Kangyur commissioned by the Qianlong Emperor in 1770, written and decorated in gold on deep-blue ciqing paper. The dramatic contrast between the luminous precious metals and the profound blue ground became a hallmark of some of the most important artistic productions of late imperial China. Featuring Luohan Nakula with large protruding belly standing on a patterned fabric amid turbulent waves, Luohan Gopaka dressed in voluminous robes, holding a ghanta and an alms bowl issueing a lotus, while riding a long tailed dragon-turtle, Luohan Kanaka dressed in fine robes with scrolling clouds carried by a fly whisk, Luohan Vanavasa standing atop a large toad, and Bodhidarma (Damo) holding a long staff while floating atop a lotus leaf. (5) Inscriptions: The paintings inscribed to the upper right, The venerable Nakula, Jambudvipa, Nanshanbuzhou nuofeiluo zunzhe The venerable Gopaka, Jiebojialuo zunzhe The venerable Kanaka, Jianuojiadaicuo zunzhe The venerable Vanavasa, Fanaposi zunzhe The venerable Bodhidarma Sina, Batoluo xina zunzhe Dimensions: Size 23.2 x 13.5 cm (each) Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 1 December 2016, lot 789 Estimate: HKD 2,500,000 or approx. EUR 329,000 (for sixteen) converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the similar subject, colors, and fine brushwork. Note the texts and wood covers.

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