Portfolio of Chinese Paintings in the Museum (Yuan to Ch'ing Periods)
Boston: Museum of Fine Arts; English text printed by T. O. Metcalf Co., 1961. Color and collotype plates by Korinsha, Kyoto, Japan. Loose Leaf with Booklets within Clamshell Box. This beautiful portfolio is a collection of 178 loose leaf plates of art reproductions by Chinese artists from the Yuan, Ming, and Ch'ing dynasties (roughly the thirteenth to the nineteenth century), by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, in 1961. Nestled in a beige clamshell case with fold out enclosures, each plate is numbered 1 to 178 and are all present. Some plates bear a full-color, tipped in reproduction of each art piece; all others in black and white against a cream cardstock paper. Some plates frame the tipped in image in a debossed border within the paper. Each full plate measures 18.75" tall x 13 2/16" wide, with varying sizes of art pieces thereon. Two booklets are enclosed, one written in English (30 pages), and one written in Chinese (45 pages), containing the plate number, title, artist, artist's medium, catalogued number and collection, and a detailed description of the piece. The English booklet also includes an index of artists, and sources of acquisition. The case bears two closures which secure at the foredge with plastic/bone-like pin clasps, and gold gilt debossed lettering on the cover and spine. The case's inner lining is a navy blue cloth and cream paper, with the inner flap closures lined with cream paper. This collection and case are housed in the original, plain, cardboard box, with a cream label with the title in a light brown on the front. Two cardboard surrounds protect the case within the box and are both present. The box itself measures 19.5" tall x 14" wide x 2.5" thick. The entire collection within the outer cardboard box weighs 19 lbs.
ARTISTS WORK REPRESENTED WITHIN ARE: Chang Hung, Chao Meng-fu, Chao Yung, Ch'a Shih-piao, Ch'eng Cheng-k'uei, Ch'ien Hsuan, Ch'iu Ying, Ch'ien Wei-ch'eng; Chou Ch'en, Chou Chih, Chu Ta, Chu Tuan, Hsia Yung, Hsiang Sheng-mo, Hsieh Shin-ch'en, Hsu Pen, Hua Yen, Huang I, Hung-jen, Kao Cheng-mo, Kao Ch'i-p'ei, Lan Ying, Leng Mei, Li Liu-fang, Li Yin, Lu Chih, P'u-ho, Shang Jui, Shen Chou, Shen Shih-ch'ung, Shih Chung, T'ang Yin, Tao-chi, Tsou Chih-lin, Tung Ch'i-ch'ang, Wang Chen-p'eng, Wang Hui, Want Lo, Wang Meng, Wang Shih-min, Wang Yuan-ch'i, Wang Yun, Wen Cheng-ming, Wen Chia, Wu Chen, Wu Huan, Wu Li, Wu Tan, Wu Wei, Yao Yen-ch'ing, Yen Hue, Yen Hung-tzu, Yo Tai, Yuan Chiang, Yuan Yao, Yun Shou-p'ing, Yung Jung, and other anonymous artists.
FROM THE FORWARD (of the English booklet): "In the Occident, wide interest in the great art legacies of China has long been evident. Only during the past three decades, however, has the true appreciation of Chinese paintings become apparent. Today public museums and private collectors are striving to acquire masterpieces. Fortunately this Museum recognized the significance of the pictorial art of China as far back as the early nineties, and beginning with the purchase of five paintings by Chou Ching-ch'ang, dated 1178-1190, has ever since been assembling worthy paintings. Now it holds an enviable position among similar collections in the world.
In 1933 the Museum published a Portfolio of Chinese Paintings in the Museum (Han to Sung Periods). As its sequel, the Museum now offers to the public this Portfolio containing reproductions of paintings from the Yuan, Ming and Ch'ing dynasties, roughly from the thirteenth to the nineteenth century.
Anyone who has delved into the field of Chinese paintings is aware that many works, especially after the Yuan period, bear inscriptions, usually of a poetic nature, appropriate to the subjects depicted. The reason is not far to seek, for many of the celebrated artists were not professional painters, but men of letters, some of them holding high governmental offices. To them the art of painting was but one of the cultural accomplishments, like calligraphy and poetry. It was, therefore, natural for them to express on the pictorial works their calligraphic skill and poetic thoughts. Thus a picture and the literary writing upon it became integral parts. For this reason, included in the descriptive section of this Portfolio are translations of such Chinese inscriptions. One acquainted with the Chinese language knows that a literal rendering of a Chinese composition into English is well-nigh impossible because of the frequent allusions to classical literature and also because of the hidden or double meanings of some phrases. Consequently, the English versions which are incorporated in the descriptions are free interpretations. The transcriptions of the original inscriptions are to be found in the catalogue in Chinese accompanying the Portfolio.
The paintings reproduced in the Portfolio came from individuals as gifts or were acquired from individuals as gifts or were acquired from funds established by legacies. It is regrettable that all of these generous friends are no longer with us. May this publication be regarded as an expression of the deep gratitude of the Department which has been privileged to build the collection!" - Kojiro Tomita, Curator of Asiatic Art
CONDITION: Very near fine, this collection is absolutely lovely. Stunning and even in its original box. Light offset/toning on the cover of booklets from flap closure impression. Very small spotting on the inside front cover of the clamshell box. Some mild toning on the backs of plates. Small tear at the inside bottom of the case, else beautifully fine. No creasing whatsoever. Art pieces are crisp and perfect. A wonderful collection. Outer cardboard storage box shows wear and discoloration and previous owner's label with notation, dated 1978. Due to the size and weight of this item, an additional shipping charge will apply, and will be requested post ordering. Please note that the set will be delivered with signature required. Full refund if not satisfied. Near Fine.
19.5" X 14" X 2.5"
Item #074706
Price: $1,500.00