An ancestor portrait depicts a forebear shown full-length, customarily in a rigidly frontal and symmetrical pose and dignified, detached expression. This iconic pose is derived from traditions of portraying deities and rulers in China as images meant to inspire awe and devotion.

This painting is a replica of an ancestor portrait of a Mandarin Magistrate from the Ming Dynasty, hand-painted around sixty years ago on rice paper. It was framed by the Frame gallery in Brookline. A stunning piece and a beautiful addition to any home or office!