Peony Silk Painting Appraisal

Chinese Calligraphy and Peony Silk Painting

This item is a traditional Chinese vertical hanging scroll painting, executed on a pale green silk or treated paper ground. The artwork features bold, black ink calligraphy in Semi-cursive script (Xing-shu), prominently displaying the phrase 'Fu Gui Ping An' (Wealth, Honor, and Peace), a common auspicious greeting. Below the calligraphy is a partial view of a large, blossoming pink peony, a flower traditionally symbolizing prosperity and nobility in Chinese culture. The painting includes a vertical column of smaller script detailing the date and artist, accompanied by two vermilion seal stamps (yinxin) at the bottom and one at the top right, which are essential for authentication but currently faded. The construction shows a silk mounting border with a metallic gold fleck pattern. Regarding condition, the piece shows significant and severe water damage, characterized by large, amber-colored tide lines and blooming stains that crawl across the left side of the composition. This suggests a history of improper storage or exposure to moisture, which has compromised the substrate's integrity. The style suggests a mid-to-late 20th-century production, likely intended for decorative or celebratory home display. While the brushwork shows confident movement, the substantial water staining significantly impacts its aesthetic and commercial value.