Asian Art and Emporium | March 12, 2026
Thu, Mar 12, 2026 10:00AM EDT
Lot 1019
Pair of Qing Dynasty Chinese Paintings of Wading Birds
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Unsold
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
label reads: "Wading Birds / From a series of original bird and flower paintings by Yu Tseng-san, 1722-1736 / Of the time of the 2nd Manchu emperor, Yung Ching [Yongzheng] / Purchased in China 1875", probably after Jiang Tingxi's (1669-1732) An Imperial Manual of Birds, each titled in Chinese on applied paper tab at upper right corner, depicting a heron and a waterhen, ink and watercolor on paper, each sight 20-5/8 x 14-3/4 in.; carved and painted wood frames (one intact), 29-1/4 x 23 x 1/2 in.
Provenance: By descent in family; Private Collection, Flat Rock, North Carolina
Note: Per the consignor these have been in his family since they were purchased in China in 1875 by a member of the San Francisco Gibbs family … George K. (Kane) Gibbs. This branch came directly out of the earlier Gibbs & Channing line of Newport, Rhode Island, an early American mercantile family active in the China Trade and connected by marriage to the Kane. Biddle and Leiper families of Philadelphia. “Kane” appears as a Gibbs middle name in the early 1800s, and the extended family network includes Dr. Elisha Kent Kane, the well-known Arctic explorer and a great great uncle within the same connected Gibbs-Kane family network.
The San Francisco Gibbs family played a major role in early California industry, including the development of what became Pacific Steel, which maintained commercial ties with China. These two works have remained in the family since 1875 and are no being seen for the first time by the public.
For similar examples, see Rosebery's, London, May 13, 2025, Lot 62.
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By descent in family; Private Collection, Flat Rock, North Carolina
minimal fading and toning to paper, foxing, some small holes/losses throughout but images intact, one removed from frame (frame unusable), one not examined out of frame, frame with light wear and abrasions Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.
