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Lot Essay
The painting was once part of a large handscroll. It depicts two groups of Qing dynasty figures - a high official on horseback accompanied by attendants and a noblewoman in a sedan chair, also accompanied by attendants. The inscription can be translated as 'dripping dew', while the seal can be read as 'fabulous mountains and water'. These suggest that this painting may have been one of a series scrolls showing different parts of a journey. This type of scene showing Qing officials hunting, travelling, or riding for pleasure were painted largely to demonstrate the Manchu's connection with their cultural heritage.
These 'outdoor' subjects are reminiscent of the well-known scroll paintings showing Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong on their tours of South of China, hunting in the northern countryside, or reviewing their troops. (cf. From Beijing to Versailles - Artistic Relations between China and France, Hong Kong Museum of Art and Musée des Arts Asiatiques Guimet, 1997, pls. 111, 112, 115-118, 119 and 120.
These 'outdoor' subjects are reminiscent of the well-known scroll paintings showing Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong on their tours of South of China, hunting in the northern countryside, or reviewing their troops. (cf. From Beijing to Versailles - Artistic Relations between China and France, Hong Kong Museum of Art and Musée des Arts Asiatiques Guimet, 1997, pls. 111, 112, 115-118, 119 and 120.