A GENTLEMAN IN THE PAVILION BY CHEN XIXIAN
China, dated 1934. Ink and watercolor on segmented paper. The upper fan-shaped painting shows a calligraphy with two seal marks. The lower fan-shaped painting depicts a gentleman sitting in a pavilion at the lake's shore, below a towering rock. Calligraphy and seal mark on the upper left.

Inscriptions: Upper fan: the text describes springtime and the journey to the lakeside for Gongyi. Two seals: 'Bi' and 'Chen'. Lower fan (translated): 'In May of the year Jiaxu (1934)', 'for Gongyi', signed 'Chen Xixian,' and one seal.

Chen Xixian was active during 1892-1934. In 1892 he entered Starting the Hanlin Academy as a scholar and was appointed as the governor of Qiantang County. In 1908, he became the first Daotai of the West Union of Jilin military (Jilin Xilu Bingbeidao).

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: Excellent condition. The painting with some abrasions along the folds, a dark spot on the bottom edge.

Dimensions: Lower image size 50 x 21.4 cm, upper image size: 49 x 21 cm, paper cover 63.5 x 65 cm

Laid down on paper with protective cover.