Chinese silk painting ‘River, pine, spring and bird’, Song dynasty

Painting made with ink and pigments on silk, on a frame also of brocaded silk and paper.

The painting, in horizontal format, shows a calm garden, crossed by a narrow river, next to which are arranged two characters, dressed in long white robes, under the shade of a large pine tree, while one of them observes two small birds fluttering and drinking water from a fountain.

In the lower right corner is the signature “馬遠”. Ma Yun (circa 1160/65-1225), born in Qiantang into a family of artists, is regarded as one of the finest painters of the Song dynasty, practicing as a court painter like his ancestors, contemplated as a favorite of Emperor Ningzong. Although his work is varied, it is characterized by using small formats in which he depicted peaceful scenes with birds, flowers and rivers. 

Next to the painting, on the right side of the frame, is a narrow paper cartouche stating “馬遠松泉雙鳥”. 

In good condition, with age wear. Song Dynasty (960 - 1279) or later. 

Size: 28 x 53.5 cm; Size with frame: 38.4 x 64.3 cm

Provenance:

· He/Kwok Shing private collection to the present day. With label indicating “Senhor He, Janeiro, 1977, Lisbon”. 

Attached certificate of antiquity made on July 12, 1969.