Four-panel Chinese Screen From The Shanghai School

Four-panel Chinese folding screen from the Shanghai School, dating from the early 20th century

One side features an illustration of “Ode to the Red Cliff” (Chibi Yeyou), a classic of Chinese literature.
The scene depicts the poet Su Shi and his companions on a nighttime boat trip.
It is a very dynamic style attributed to Jinzhai.
It complements the painting by adding a livelier energy, typical of scholar’s screens from this period.

On the other side, egrets are depicted in a landscape.
It is signed by the artist Wang Guifang.
The poem reads: “Autumn on the river purifies the world, and half of this beauty comes from the elegance of these birds clad in snow.”
(Egrets are symbols of nobility in China).

Traditional painting in ink and brightly colored pigments on paper. The details of the faces and clothing are exceptionally fine.

Very good overall condition. The colors remain fresh, and the panels are well preserved.
A few slight stains.

20th century

Dimensions: H 183 L 188 cm