Immortals Bestowing Fortune
1866
As a representative figure of the Shanghai School-a group of artists active in the late 19th and early 20th century who painted primarily for the merchant class, as opposed to the imperial court-Qian must have painted this auspicious work for a member of the elite. The subject, "an immortal bestowing fortune," which is indicated by the seal inscription of the boy attendant, further suggests that the painting was intended for the New Year, when felicitous images were hung. This finely painted work demonstrates delicate embroidery of the clothing and a hint of Western influence through slight shadowing of the figures. Perhaps the most ingenious feature is the female attendant, whose oval face is partially veiled by the fan.
Ink and color on paper
Overall: 113 3/4 x 43 5/16 in. (289 x 110 cm)
Gift of David and Janne F. Liu in honor of Mimi Gardner Gates
2010.14
Provenance: Liu Guojun 劉國鈞 (1887–1978); David Liu (Liu’s grandson)
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
