Ancestor Portrait of a Noblewoman
CultureChinese
Date18th century
MediumHanging scroll; ink and color on silk
DimensionsImage: 65 1/4 × 37 1/8 inches (165.74 × 94.3 cm)
Mount: 108 1/2 × 45 inches (275.59 × 114.3 cm)
Mount: 108 1/2 × 45 inches (275.59 × 114.3 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust
Object number35-161
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionLady seated wearing Imperial costume; blue sleeveless robe with wing collar, decorated with gold dragons; worn over brown robe with gold dragons.Gallery LabelThe ancestor’s costume identifies this as a portrait of a noblewoman of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), when China was under Manchu rule. She is dressed in Manchu court style. Her dragon robe has narrow sleeves and horse-hoof shaped cuffs. The winged collar, court beads, fur-trimmed hat and earrings signify her noble status. At one time, this portrait showed a colorful carpet. Part of the pattern can be seen through the footstool, but the carpet was cut away at some time, when the bottom of the painting was replaced due to damage.
Purchased through Laurence Sickman by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1935.
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