A painting of birds, roses and bamboo

Description:

China, ca. 18th century
143 x 41,5 cm (188 x 59,5 cm R.)
Ink and colours on silk, mounted and framed under glass. Depicted in the classical ‘Birds and Flowers’ style in the tradition of the Imperial Court Academy. In the upper section, two quails in flight; in the centre, blooming white roses with thorns and delicate bamboo sprouting from a rock in the lower third of the composition, accompanied by two songbirds. On the ground, smaller songbirds enliven the scene. The composition functions as a classical rebus representing the imperial blessing ‘Anju leye’ (‘May you live in peace throughout all seasons’).
Old European private collection - Partial age damaged, creases, the reverse of the frame damaged