Page 167 - 2021 March 15th Fine Chinese Paintings and Works of Art, Bonhams NYC New York

191 The playful charming genre of the “knickknack peddler” has been practiced
ANONYMOUS in Chinese paintings since the Song Dynasty, when the court artists Su
Knickknack Peddler Hanchen (1094-1172) and later Li Song (act. 1190-1265) depicted in minute
Hanging scroll, ink and color on silk. detail itinerant merchants bearing carts overflowing with small objects
55 5/8 x 29in (141.3 x 74cm) and surrounded by eager children. During the Ming dynasty, painters in
the Imperial painting academy would revive this subject in larger formats,
$20,000 - 30,000 presumably to be used as exquisite decoration in the noble women’s quarters.

In this example, the humble merchant’s straw sandals contrasts with his
佚名 貨郎圖 設色絹本 立軸 lavishly attired patrons who are enchanted by the toys the peddler has
brought. Placed in a garden setting, with fruiting trees, a balustrade, and a
elaborate garden rock, the painting offers many clues that the subjects are
likely representing members of the aristocracy.

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