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Any thoughts as to who the artist is A translation of the text and possible age of painting would be appreciated… thanks

Xu Beihong (1895-1953) was a pioneering Chinese painter known for his traditional ink paintings of horses and birds.

Best Regards,
-mpm


Matthew P. Munafo | 马修-穆纳佛
MANAGING DIRECTOR and DEALER OF ASIAN ART & ANTIQUES | ROOM TONIC ASIAN ART
亞洲藝術及古董經銷商兼董事總經理 |房間滋補品 亞洲藝術

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Mr Munafo Thank you for taking the time to identify the artist… what a pleasant surprise to find out who it was!.. I have always admired his work and I am now a proud owner of one of his creations!…thanks !

Hi Jim,

I need to be very clear here... It is highly unlikely that this painting was done by Xu Beihong (1895-1953). I should have added the words "in the style of"....

Chinese artists are exceptional because, as an academic practice, they all try to reproduce some of the finest works of art done by the masters throughout 4,000-5,000 years of China's history.

This is a practice and endeavor that is a large part of their study, education, and growth as artists. They cannot find themselves (as artists) or their style (as artists) until they have mastered the many works done by master artists, painters, and craftsmen that came before them.

I personally, do not know ink on paper or watercolor paintings on gauche well enough to verify or validate one way or another that your painting is authentic and done by Xu Beihong (1895-1953) himself.

Assume you have a very good painting done in the style of Xu Beihong (1895-1953).

To know for sure, do not take it to an auction house. Take it to a local or regional museum that exhibits Asian art and ask the curator to authenticate the painting. In most cases, he or she will need to send it out to another expert specialized in the field of whatever medium is being evaluated.

In summary, this is at best, a very good copy or reproduction of Xu Beihong's (1895-1953) work.

Only a specialist can compare the calligraphy and brush strokes to determine likeness and probability of true authenticity.

I hope I am wrong for your sake. But, experience in this field suggests otherwise.

My previous reply is not any kind of endorsement of authenticity. Your painting is only in the style of Xu Beihong (1895-1953). That much I will stand by. Authenticity? No!

Enjoy it all the same. Never buy an object you wouldn't be happy or proud to keep as a decorative object for your own home. For aspiring dealers and collectors, it's okay to buy objects you are unsure of. It's the only way to become well versed with Asian art and to determine objects of antiquity from objects that are relatively new.

If you are committed to learning Asian art as a lifestyle, manage your budget!

Jim, you have a very fine painting all the same.

I am doing the best to let you down gently. The reality is that reproductions can sometimes present as better quality works than the original artist produced. This is difficult concept for many to accept, but it is true.

Be Well!
-mpm

Mr. Munafo
Thank you for the clarification and the sound advise.When I find a “treasure” I try to take a step back and analyze the item and see if it falls into my requirements….do I enjoy it enough to give it wall space,how much will it set me back,and do I really want it!! Once I purchase the item and find out it has some value…well thats icing on the cake!!Thanks again for sharing your perspective on the joys and pitfalls of collecting Asian art!

That's the way to do it, Jim. Practical and enjoyable. Have a great weekend!

For comparison, here is a painting by Xu Beihong from the Peabody Essex Museum.

Cheers,
Stan

Here is the picture.

Cheers,
Stan

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