DONG GAO (1740-1818): ‘MAGPIE WITH PRUNUS BLOSSOMS,’... Lot n° 195

DONG GAO (1740-1818): ‘MAGPIE WITH PRUNUS BLOSSOMS,’ DATED 1784 China. Ink, watercolors, and gouache on silk. Mounted on a silk brocade and framed behind glass. Finely painted depicting a magpie perched on a plum tree, looking down in curiosity towards a blossoming flower. The old black lacquer frame is decorated with silver wire inlays and showcases an ornate metal handle. Inscriptions: To the upper left-hand corner, ‘On the 15th day of January in the year Jia chen of the Qianlong period (corresponding to 1784) in the style of Huang Jucai. Zhelin Dong Gao,’ and sealed ‘Dong Gao.’ Provenance: From a private collection in Zagreb, Croatia. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, minuscule losses. The colors preserved remarkably well. The frame in good condition with few small nicks and a small crack to the edge of the glass. Dimensions: Image size 38.7 x 24.2 cm, Size incl. frame 72.2. x 37.6 cm Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 26 November 2012, lot 873 Price: HKD 375,000 or approx. EUR 48,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: Dong Gao: Birds among bushes Expert remark: Compare the related subject and style of painting. Note the larger size (98.5 x 50.3 cm).