A Rare Chinese Didactic Painting on Silk

Qing dynasty (1644-1912), ink and colors on silk, a rare and unusual painting, possibly a Confucian mystical map or instructional path of important places and objects, presented in a concentric style beginning on lower left and moving in a counter-clockwise manner, each connected by a ribbon joined by meticulously painted insects and small animals, until finishing in the center at a temple building labeled 天府 (Heavenly Province), framed with red silk mat in faux gilt bamboo frame under glass.
Frame dimensions 34 1/2 x 34 1/2 in.
Acquired in China from an art dealer during the 1970s, thence by descent.

The Estate of J. Clint, Jr and Ansley Newton of Shelby, North Carolina
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

Even overall toning to silk; some creases, most predominant down the center; some dirt to surface; some scattered light foxing; not examined outside of the frame.