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A friend of a friend asked my opinion on this and another scroll painting recently. I can't read all of the characters in the inscription, although the signature apparently is supposed to be that of the early Qing master Wang Hui [1632�1717]. There is a 'bingyin' cyclical date that would equate to the year 1686 in the Kangxi reign. The title appears to tead read 'Distant View of Mountains on the Horizon' [Ya shan yuan tiao].

My impression is that this probably is a copy or imitation, as the painting style doesn't greatly resemble other examples I found of Wang's work on-line. Also, there's an enigmatic seal impressed where I found recognizable marks with Wang's name on some of his other works.

This is not my usual cup of tea, so all opinions would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Bill H.

The painting quality is where I see a problem.
The brushwork around the waterfalls seems to
be muddy, as if the artist just wanted to fill
in the area. The trees seem awkward and ill placed. Wang Hui usually showed the base of a
tree and how it emerged from and was attached to the ground.
19th century forgery??

Correct, this is a bad fake, likely quite recent. Calligraphy is awful, paper toned and of poor quality, composition and execution both totally unrelated to Wang, seals all look new and strangely placed, etc. Sorry.

Hi John & Rat,

I'm much obliged for your assistance. Exactly what I expected to hear.

Thanks much,

Bill H.

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