Qing dynasty (1644-1912), 19th century, ink and colors on silk, bearing the signature Lang Shining, a very finely painted white falcon sits perched regally on a craggy rock with rushing water below and pine tree branches above, framed, not examined outside of the frame.

Sight size 36.5 x 15 in.; Frame dimensions 38.5 x 17 in.

Livingston Galleries, New York

Castiglione was also known as Lang Shining and signed his paintings using this adopted Chinese name. He was an Italian Jesuit missionary who became a favorite court painter to the Kangxi emperor after arriving in China. He brought with him European painting styles that influenced Qing court painting especially in regards to light and shade. This painting was probably based on Castiglione's painting "Auspicious Objects" from 1724 in the collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, painted for the Yongzheng emperor's birthday.

Good estate condition; a few minor spots of discoloration to silk in lower right corner.

$800 - 1,200