Ceramic - China - 20th century

An rare Chinese 'qianjiang' seal paste box by Ren Huanzhang

The square cover of this porcelain seal paste box features a Qianjiang cai literati scene: a robed ancient scholar with a topknot sits cross-legged on grassy hillside, a guqin resting on his lap. Stylized pine trees and textured rocky outcrops stand behind him, with pale washes rendering misty distant mountains. Sparse floral speckles dot the foreground, and ample blank space creates a tranquil reclusive mood. Vertical Chinese calligraphy and a small red artist’s seal mark the upper left of the painting.

Condition: The cover was cracked and repaired.