This is a well-executed, large scale finger painting from the 18th century, the heyday of popularity for this technique. Gao Qipei is arguably the most famous finger painter in Chinese painting history. However, since Gao died in 1734, and it is unlikely that he did it when he was 15 years old in 1675, this cannot be genuine work by the master. Nevertheless, this painting is a fine work of the period and would join the conserved painting XX.1.22 by Gao’s contemporary Zhu Lunhan, as examples of the golden age of finger painting.

Professor Kathleen Ryor, Carleton College

Listed in the Munthe inventory (p.139) as "Finger-painting by Kao K'i pei, good example of his style, probably original. Date 1675 or 1730. Handwriting is that of the artist." The inscription reads: "Kao Chi-pei. Chieh-Yuan painted this with his fingers. Just after the Dragon Boat Festival of the 5th Moon of Yi-Yo."

Artist’s inscription, signature and seals. Inscription contains the signature and date: Gao Qipei, Qieyuan, painted this with his fingers just after the Dragon Boat Festival of the fifth month of the yimao year (either 1675 or 1735).

Professor Kathleen Ryor, Carleton College

Black ink brushed on paper, bordered by pink silk brocade.

Mounted scroll of a landscape with mountains and water. A jagged tree is dominant in the image, just lower and left of center. Four birds are in mid-flight, from the center of the image to the upper right.

This object has the following keywords:

• Birds
• Mountains
• Paintings

This object is a member of the following portfolios: