A CHINESE PAINTED WALLPAPER SIX-PANEL SCREEN

The scene depicted in these panels portrays family happiness and joyful play during the heat of the summer. The balustrade of the central house is pierced with bat shapes - a symbol of happiness. Many figures gently wave fans to cool themselves. Two servant carriers rest on rocks in the shade of a tree waiting for their next journey to fetch something from the market. All the attendants are gardening or carrying food or playing instruments. The central character sitting under the tree smoking his pipe is perhaps a mandarin or prince of the Royal Court. His dress is informal, which could be of any colour, and is dark as was usually worn by those of more advanced age. A female figure, perhaps one of his wives, is bringing a small child across the bridge whilst the elder children play in the pavilion to the right. The sage in the blue robe can be identified by his staff and gourd, both symbols of a perfected soul; his attendant carries a green vase with a sprig of new growth, symbolising long life.