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Hi, I have three small Chinese paintings on silk. If anyone could help identify the seal marks and the inscriptions I would be very greatful. Many thanks.

All three are claiming to be by Wang Yuanqi (seals and names used in the inscriptions) and painted during the Kangxi reign. Neither the painting style nor the calligraphy are related to Wang, however.

Hi Rat, Many thanks for your feedback. I must take a look at Wang Yuanqi's authentic work. Best wishes, Steve

Sure. Here's an example of Wang's mature work, dated a handful of years before the leaf of yours that is dated: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/49187 .

Like the other three of the "Four Wangs" who became the basis of what was called Qing "orthodox" landscape painting, Wang Yuanqi's approach was heavily indebted to Yuan landscape painters such as Huang Gongwang, whose use of densely massed rocks interspersed with trees/vegetation aimed to create an abstract effect (cf the first picture here, for instance: https://www.sohu.com/a/243575590_800368). Wang innovated in several ways, perhaps most notably in his use of muted colors.

The second handwritten image posted here is a good example of Wang's handwriting (and the similarity of its seals to those on your pictures indicate the pitfalls of relying on seals as quick indicators of authenticity...): https://www.sohu.com/a/126071396_424918

cheers

Hi Rat, Thanks so much for the links. I see what you mean both about the painting style (in relation to the abstract effect) and handwriting. It's much appreciated. All the best, Steve

石城
在府治西二里孫權于此江
岸争之地築城固名石頭城
康煕甲午秋日畫并題于
穀冶堂
麓臺祁
Shicheng
Sun Quan built a city two miles west of the
prefectural seat on a contested land upon this river bank. and named it
Shi(tou)cheng - Stone(head) City -
Painted and Inscribed on an Autumn day of the Kangxi -Wood-Horse- Year (1714) at
the Guye Hall by
Lutai Qi
Upper seal,
王原祁印　-　`Seal of Wang Yuanqi
Lower seal,
麓臺　-　Lutai (Pseudonym)

Wang Yuanqi 王原祁　1642-1715
Pseudonym; Lutai 麓臺　
Qing dynasty painter

With regards,
I.Nagy

Dear Mr Nagy, Thanks so much for the translation and the other detailed information for this and also for the second painting - it's much appreciated. Best wishes, Steve

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