Chinese or Japanese ink painting?

Item Overview

• Category: Asian Art
• Medium: Ink painting on paper
• Dimensions: 7.5" x 10.5" (without frame)
• Condition: Fair (some discoloration)
• For Sale: No

Identification & Attribution

This framed ink painting appears to be a Chinese or Japanese work, likely a woodblock print or ink painting from the late Qing Dynasty (China) or Edo/Meiji Period (Japan). The style and composition suggest traditional Chinese or Japanese genre painting, depicting children playing in a garden setting, a theme commonly seen in both cultures.

Key stylistic features:

1. Chinese vs. Japanese Characteristics
   • The fine ink detailing, clothing style, and pine tree in the background strongly suggest a Chinese originrather than Japanese.
   • The figures' facial expressions and hairstyles resemble those found in traditional Chinese woodblock prints from the late Qing period.
   • However, the presence of delicate linework and light shading may also suggest Japanese ukiyo-e influence.
2. Calligraphy & Signature
   • The calligraphy and seal (located on the right) can help determine the artist and time period.
   • The characters appear to be in Chinese script, reinforcing the Chinese origin.
   • A professional specializing in Asian calligraphy authentication would be needed for further verification.

Historical Context & Possible Origin

• The scene of playing children is a common motif in Chinese art, symbolizing happiness, prosperity, and continuity of family lineage.
• If Chinese, it may be related to the "Hundred Children" theme, popular in Ming and Qing Dynasty artwork.
• If Japanese, it could be an ukiyo-e style print from the Meiji period.

Condition & Market Value

• Condition:
  • The discoloration and wear indicate aging but also add authenticity.
  • Slight foxing and staining are common in older paper artworks.
  • The frame appears modern, possibly added for preservation.
• Estimated Market Value:
  • If authenticated as an original late Qing Dynasty print, its value may range from $300 - $1,500 USD, depending on artist attribution.
  • If a Meiji-era Japanese print, it may be worth $200 - $800 USD.
  • If it turns out to be a modern reproduction, the value would be much lower ($50 - $200 USD).

Professional Appraisal & Authentication Recommendation

Since this could be an original antique print, I highly recommend consulting:

1. Asian Art Specialists – Experts at major auction houses like Sotheby’s, Christie’s, or Bonhams.
2. Chinese Art Appraisers – Scholars familiar with Qing Dynasty woodblock prints.
3. Japanese Ukiyo-e Experts – If further research suggests a Meiji-era origin.

Conclusion

Your ink painting is likely a late Qing Chinese print or possibly a Japanese ukiyo-e influenced work, featuring a playful children motif. The signature on the right is key to authentication. If verified as an authentic Qing-period work, it could hold significant value.

List Of Appraisers & Chinese & Japanese Ink Painting Experts

Here is a list of reputable appraisers and experts specializing in Chinese and Japanese ink paintings:

Bravado Art
Provides certified appraisal services for fine art, including Asian art. Their partners are experts in antiques and Oriental art.
Website: https://bravadoart.com/
Location: North Hollywood, CA
Contact: (323) 823-9352

Clars Auctions – Asian Art Department
Renowned for expertise in appraising and evaluating a wide array of Asian art, antiques, and collections.
Website: https://clars.com/departments/asian-art/
Location: Oakland, CA
Contact: (510) 428-0100

Andrew Jones Auctions – Asian Art Department
Offers appraisal and auction services for Asian art, including Chinese and Japanese works.
Website: https://www.andrewjonesauctions.com/departments/asian-art/
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Contact: (213) 748-8008

Alice Karle Fine Art Appraiser
Provides appraisal services for fine art, modern art, antique furniture, and decorative art, with experience in Asian artworks.
Website: https://www.alicekarleappraiserfineart.com/art-appraiser-los-angeles/
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Contact: (805) 682-2234

Anderson Fine Art Appraisals
Specializes in fine art appraisals, including Asian art, for insurance, estate, damage, and donation purposes.
Website: https://www.art-appraisals.net/
Location: Beverly Hills, CA
Contact: (310) 858-1644

Floating World Gallery
Specializes in Japanese artwork, offering appraisal services and international auctions.
Website: https://floatingworld.com/sell/
Location: Chicago, IL
Contact: (312) 587-7800

Sebastian Izzard LLC Asian Art
With over forty years of experience, offers expertise in Japanese and Korean art appraisal and consulting services.
Website: https://www.izzardasianart.com/pages/welcome-to-our-website
Location: New York, NY
Contact: (212) 794-1522

Appraisers Association of America
A professional organization with certified appraisers specializing in Asian art. You can search for qualified appraisers in your area through their directory.
Website: https://www.appraisersassociation.org/find-an-appraiser/results/List?Specialties=16

Chinese Art Appraisal – Dr. Wei Yang
Qualified to appraise Chinese art and some forms of Asian art, offering services since 2005.
Website: https://www.chineseartappraisal.com/
Location: New York, NY
Contact: (917) 572-9012

Patricia J. Graham, Ph.D.
Certified member of the Appraisers Association of America, specializing in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean arts.
Website: https://patriciagraham.net/appraising/
Location: Louisville, CO
Contact: (785) 393-0014

ENA Art Group
Specializes in late 19th-century paintings, including Japanese woodblocks, and 20th-century to contemporary artwork.
Website: https://www.enaartgroup.com/appraisals
Location: New York, NY
Contact: (212) 888-5888

Oriental Heritage
Offers free appraisals of Chinese art and antiques, with specialists ready to assist.
Website: https://orientalheritageinc.com/newtail.html
Location: New York, NY
Contact: (212) 888-7888

Michael Maloney Art Appraisals
Los Angeles-based art appraiser with over twenty years of experience, specializing in modern and contemporary art.
Website: https://www.maloneyartappraisals.com/
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Contact: (310) 993-9707

Dina Brown Art Appraisals
Provides art appraisal services in Los Angeles, with experience in various art forms.
Website: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dina-brown-art-appraisals-los-angeles