Donkey Painting Appraisal

Chinese Feather Painting of a Figure on a Donkey

This item is a framed Chinese feather painting, depicting a figure riding a donkey under flowering branches. The main figure, likely a scholar or historical persona, wears a wide-brimmed hat and a prominent red robe that appears to be crafted from large, vibrant red feathers, giving the garment a textured, almost three-dimensional quality. The donkey is rendered in dark tones, possibly black ink or dark feathers, showing its head, body, and legs in a somewhat simplified but recognizable form. The background features delicate, spindly tree branches with small pink blossoms, suggestive of cherry or plum blossoms, rendered with subtle coloration that contrasts with the white background. The overall artwork is set against a white ground, likely paper or silk, which provides a stark contrast emphasizing the feather work. In the upper right corner, there are Chinese characters, which appear to be a signature or inscription, adding to the authenticity and cultural context of the piece. The painting is framed, with a visible ornate mat or inner frame featuring a patterned design in hues of brown, gold, and possibly green and white, composed of repeating floral or geometric motifs. The outer frame is dark, likely wood, and appears to be in good condition. The feather elements show good preservation with no apparent significant damage or loss of feathers. The colors are well-preserved, suggesting it has been kept out of direct sunlight. The craftsmanship indicates a refined technique in feather art, where feathers are meticulously selected and arranged to suggest form and texture. This style of art is typically modern or contemporary Chinese.