‎R. H. van Gulik‎
‎Chinese Pictoral Art as viewed by the Connoisseur‎

‎Roma 1958 Istituto Italiano per il medio ed estremo oriente Hardcover Very Good 1st Edition ‎

Reference : 030031

‎Hardcover, Jacket: Very Good, 30 x 24 cm, XXXVII + 537 + appendix pp., English, 1st Edition, Illustrations, book condition: Very Good ; N° 385,rnIn the world of Sinology, rn"Chinese Pictorial Art: As Viewed by the Connoisseur" is the magnum opus of the Dutch diplomat and scholar Robert van Gulik.rnFirst published in 1958, this work remains the definitive guide to understanding Chinese painting through the eyes of a traditional collector rather than a modern art historian.rnThe Craft of Mounting: Van Gulik treats the mounting of a scroll not as a secondary frame, but as an integral part of the artwork. He provides technical details on the chemistry of glues and the structural integrity of silk.rnMaterial Forensics: The book acts as a manual for detecting forgeries. It covers the history and types of paper, silk, ink, and pigments used throughout different dynasties.rnAuthentic Samples: Rare original editions included a separate folder containing 42 physical samples of Chinese and Japanese paper and silk, allowing connoisseurs to learn through touch and sight.rnSeal Lore: He offers a deep dive into the use of red ink seals, explaining how collectors' marks can verify a painting's provenance or expose a clever imitation.rnTo the connoisseur, a painting is a living object. The value lies in the "Qi" (spirit breath) of the brushwork and the "Woyou" (roaming while lying down)the ability to travel spiritually through a landscape painting from one's own room.rn‎