PLUM BLOSSOMS ON GOLD PAPER BY JIN KANG
China, late 19th century. Ink on segmented gold paper. The fan-shaped painting depicts a plum branch with twigs-covered blossoms. Calligraphy and seal marks on the left.

Inscriptions: Text (translated): 'For the fifth brother Xiangshan.' 'Painted by the younger brother Shaogu Jin Kang' (artist's name). Three seals.

Jin Kang (1824), also known as Shaogu, was a Manchurian official and a writer during the Daoguang and Guangxu period. He served as an editor and vice scholar in the Hanlin Academy and later became a councilor of the crown prince.

Provenance: From the collection of Professor Jan Wirgin (1932-2020). Jan Wirgin studied Classic Chinese and History of Art at Stockholm University. Later, he joined the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities in Stockholm, first as a curator and then between 1981-1998 as the director of the museum. Further, he published numerous articles during his work as the editor of the Bulletin of the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities. One of his most famous works is the book "Chinese Art history" (1972), which is still one of the most read books for students of Chinese art history in Sweden.
Condition: Good condition. The painting with some abrasions along the folds, some tears, creasing, and minor material loss.

Dimensions: Image size 53 x 23 cm, paper cover 63.5 x 65 cm

Laid down on paper with protective cover.

Literature comparison: See a script written by Jin Kang with similar calligraphy, dated to1853, in National Palace Museum Library in Taipei.