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You might of already noticed these beautiful Ancestor Portraits throughout Asia, originally committed by deceased and were privately displayed and worshipped, nowadays they are used as decoration. These paintings are believed to hold the spirt of their ancestors and would bring them good health, prosperity and long life. Chinese believed that in doing so their ancestors are not tempted to become a ghost to bother them. Most of these portraits are dated from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1944), nowadays we have a lot of replicas floating around.

It was not until the 20th century that foreigners started collecting them to use as decoration in their home. The most impressive home to date is Valentino Caravan's Château de Wideville, it is stunning to say the least.

I have always had a love for these paintings, they hold a form of mystery to them and they have a regal awe to them. Large in both size and ... Some people might feel that hanging these portraits up as decoration shouldn't be done as the ancient Chinese believed that theere is a strict connection between the painting and the soul of the person. I personally believe that displaying these portraits gives the ancestor, in the painting, importance and honour. They should be respected and displayed prominently. Most of these portraits were painted from verbal descriptions therefore they all take a similar look to them, only the fabric of their clothing an the textiles that change. The textiles show the history of the ancestor, where he came from and his rank.  

Inside Valentino Caravan's Château de Wideville, Chinese ancestor portraits from the early 19th century line the curving staircase. [source architecturaldigest.com / Photography by Simon Watson]

 

I love how these two portraits are used in this living room designed by Miles Redd

So would you decorate your home with these magnificent Chinese Ancestral Portraits? 

August 16, 2015 by Tamsin T

Comments

Chinese ancestor portraits

Chinese ancestor portraits said:

Nice and innovative
Chinese ancestor portraits
in this information
Thank you.

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