AFTER GIUSEPPE CASTIGLIONE [LANG SHINING]

AFTER GIUSEPPE CASTIGLIONE [LANG SHINING]

Imperial Horse,
enamelled porcelain
82 x 45 cm (32 1/4 x 17 3/4 in.)

PROVENANCE
Acquired in Harbin by the great-granduncle of the present owner, 1930s
Thence by descent in the family to a Private Collection in New York

LOT NOTES
Giuseppe Castigolione, an Italian Jesuit from Milan, was instructed to paint several church murals while serving as a missionary in China. Castigolione he accepted the invitation with vigor, learning the language and adopting his Chinese name, Lang Shining. While painting, he came to the attention of the Kangxi emperor, and later served as a court artist for three dynasties of Chinese rule: the Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong. Castigolione [Shining] forged a new style of painting, one that combined the elements of his Western training (such as chiaroscuro, linear perspective and realism) with Chinese materials, aesthetics and symbolism. Later, this style would be called the Xianfa style, meaning "line method," seen in Castigolione's most well-known works, such as Gathering of Auspicious Signs, and One Hundred Horses in a Landscape. The present lot is a prime example of Castigolione's influence on Chinese Schools of art.

CONDITION
Observed in frame, the painting on porcelain panel appears in good condition. Light surface dust visible to the bottom of the frame. With no significant issues to report otherwise. Inspection under UV light shows a heavy even layer of varnish, but no apparent sign of restoration.
framed dimensions: 89 x 52 cm (35 x 20 1/2 in.)

Kindly note, the auction is comprised of two sessions:
Session I: Russian and Asian Art, Antiques and Jewelry, lots 1-331
Session II: European, North and South American, and Ethnographic Art, Antiques, Jewelry, and Design, lots 500-827

N.B. All lots are sold in as-is condition at the time of sale. Please note that any condition statement regarding works of art is given as a courtesy to our clients in order to assist them in assessing the condition. The report is a genuine opinion held by Shapiro Auctions and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report or a photograph does not preclude the absence of defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. Shapiro Auctions, LLC., including its consultants and agents, shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.