Title: A Portrait of Boggodo, Prince Zhuang, Circa 1750-1800. An Exceedingly Rare Qing Silk Painting of one of China’s Princes
Author: Style of the Imperial Court Painters
Condition: Poor
An exceedingly rare Mid Qing Dynasty, mid to late 18th century silk painting, being a portrait of Boggodo (1650-1723), prince Zhuang of the First Rank. A member of the Manchu Aisin Gioro Clan, he was a grandson of Hong Taiji, and the eldest son of Prince Chengzeyu Šose. He was also a paternal cousin of the Kangxi Emperor. He sits atop a decorated throne, wearing a winter chaofu, the court's formal attire, and with a hat, decorated with a three-eyed peacock feather that signifies high imperial favor.
A masterful composition, the painting has been profusely detailed, from the gilt decorated red throne the Prince sits on, to the brilliantly produced court attire, as well as bejewelled adornments and his hat. As is expected as Qing paintings of such quality, the facial detail and linework is astonishingly superb, with his years of age displayed, and distinctiveness to each beard strand, with a softened expression.
As the margins of this painting are lacking, it is difficult to confirm who signed this composition, but it is certainly in the style of the Imperial Court Painters, so much so I would generally just call it an Imperial Portrait at a glance. However, this could also very well likely be a masterfully produced, contemporary copy after one of the originals.
The composition of painting, from the detailing of the vestments to the facial linework and beard, is unmistakably identical to that of another painting of the Prince, being Item S1991.78, presently housed at the Smithsonian. That painting however, depicts the Price with an even softer expression, and a slightly narrower face. The Smithsonian example also has a more detailed background, as our example is plain, without any backdrop or carpeted floor. As our composition is very clearly damaged and lacking the additional upper and lower margins, it is possible that this painting may have been larger, but this is difficult to presently confirm.
Provenance: A Private Japanese Collection
One silk painting, roughly 109 x 72 cm
This painting is in exceedingly poor shape, with numerous tears and damage to the margins and edges, and there are several dozen repairs to the verso. The painting edges are prone to chipping if not handled carefully. There is no mount for the painting. Restoration is highly advised.