397 - A CHINESE HANGING SCROLL DEPICTING TWO LADIES - WANG SU (1794-1877)

A CHINESE HANGING SCROLL DEPICTING TWO LADIES - WANG SU (1794-1877) Dimensions: 135 cm x 55 cm A vertical hanging scroll showing two elegantly dressed women standing together on a small bridge beneath a flowering tree. Fine, controlled outlines describe their faces, elaborate coiffures and softly falling robes, while pale green, rose and blue washes animate the garments. The branches sweep diagonally across the upper field, their small pink blossoms echoing the restrained colours of the figures. An inscription and seals appear at the upper right. The scene belongs to the Chinese tradition of paintings of refined female figures, in which graceful posture, seasonal flowers and a carefully chosen setting convey a quiet literary mood. The relationship between the two women is suggested through their proximity and shared gaze rather than through dramatic action.