China, 18th-19th century. Ink and watercolors on silk, each mounted and framed behind glass. The first depicting the Ganlu pavilion built on a bridge, with trees including pine and willow in the foreground, a scholar standing on the shore looking towards the pavilion, with mountains in the background; the second with a man riding a mule along a small bridge leading to the city Shi, with a large rock surrounded by a wall, with a river and mountains in the background; the third depicting a village built along the shore of the Qinhuai river, with two figures walking on a bridge crossing the stream. (3)

Inscriptions: The first, upper right, titled 'Ganlu pavilion at Fuzhou Mountain range', and inscribed 'In the seventh year of Chen [Taijian period, corresponding to 567] it rained nectar, hence the name Ganlu'; one seal of the artist, 'Wang Yuanqi'. The second, upper left, signed 'Lutai Qi', dated 'Painted in the autumn of the year Jiawu, Kangxi period (1714) in the Guyetang studio', titled 'Shi City', and inscribed 'The city is located one kilometer to the west of Fuzhi. Sun Quan built a city named Shi at this border zone'; two seals of the artist, 'Wang Yuanqi' and 'Lutai'. The third, upper right, titled 'Qinhuai River' and inscribed 'The city is located 1.5 kilometers southeast to Zhidong, Shangyuan. Emperor Qin Shi Huang went to Kuaji via Moling'; one seal of the artist, 'Wang Yuanqi'.

Provenance: London trade.
Condition: Overall good condition with minor wear, soiling, foxing, dark spots, browning, and little creasing. The frames with little wear, light scratches, and small nicks.

Dimensions: Image size 28.2 cm x 22.6 cm, Size incl. frame 33.3 x 27.5 cm

All framed behind glass. (3)

Wang Yuanqi (1642-1715), also known as Lutai, born in Taicang, Juiangsu province, was a painter active during the early Qing dynasty. He was tutored by his grandfather Wang Shimin (1592-1680) and became known as one of the Six Masters of the early Qing period, who are regarded as the principal figures of the 'Orthodox School' of Chinese landscape painting. As a high government official, he also played an important role in establishing the orthodox style as the standard for court painting under the Kangxi Emperor.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: China Guardian Auctions Beijing, 18 May 2021, lot 262
Price: CNY 320,000 or approx. EUR 42,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: Landscape in Mi style, Wang Yuanqi (1642-1715)
Expert remark: Compare the related motif and manner of painting. Note the size (39 x 25.7 cm) and that this is an ink painting lacking any color.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Xiling Yinshe Auction Hangzhou, 21 September 2019, lot 564
Price: CNY 50,000 or approx. EUR 6,800 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: Secluded living by river, Wang Yuanqi (1642-1715)
Expert remark: Compare the related motif and manner of painting. Note the size (26 x 19 cm) and that this is an ink painting lacking any color.