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Large Pair of Mid C19th Finely-painted Chinese Watercolours Depicting Menshen or Door Gods .
Sold by M Lees and Sons
sold SA1223207
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
M Lees and Sons

M Lees and Sons

Sellingantiques Verified Since Feb 2013
Browse dealers 370 items
  • About Us
    M.lees & sons , 'tower house' , severn st., worcester wr12nb tel . 07860826218
  • Trade Associations
    M Lees and Sons is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
Id #SA1223207
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Large Pair of Mid C19th Finely-painted Chinese Watercolours Depicting Menshen or Door Gods .

19th century
Sold 11 July 2026 · M Lees and Sons
This “Large Pair of Mid C19th Finely-painted Chinese Watercolours Depicting Menshen or Door Gods” found a buyer.

It was listed by M Lees and Sons. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

Large pair of mid C19th finely-painted Chinese watercolours depicting Menshen or door gods .

Skilfully executed pair of large scale Chinese watercolours on paper of martial door or gate gods , traditionally conceived to be hung at the entrances of buildings to protect from evil spirits and influences.

First used in the ancient Chinese Han Dynasty , these type of pictures depicting venerated and deified fiercely armed Generals , were used to ward off evil spirits and encourage positive influences . This pair probably portraying the images of Qin Quiong and Yuchi Gong , two Generals appointed by the Han emperor Taizong as his personal guardians.

In excellent original condition, with vibrant , strong colours and intricate details to the painting . Later mounted within moulded black and gilt ‘Hogarth’ style frames , the versos bearing the paper label of the esteemed London gallery of “Henry Sotheran Ltd . London W1”

Highly decorative pair of exotic Chinese watercolours having a fascinating historical significance and purpose.

H 37”

W 21”

D 1”

China c.1870

Date of Manufacture

M Lees and Sons has dated these Antique Chinese Watercolours to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
93cm (36.61")
Width
52cm (20.47")
Depth
2cm (0.79")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1223207
Dealers Internal Reference
ML 267
Dealers Notes

Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .

Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .

Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .

All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees & Sons .

If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance . Our inventory on the website Selling Antiques .co.uk showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:

www.leesantiquesworcester.com.

Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218

Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.

Description
Large pair of mid C19th finely-painted Chinese watercolours depicting Menshen or door gods .

Skilfully executed pair of large scale Chinese watercolours on paper of martial door or gate gods , traditionally conceived to be hung at the entrances of buildings to protect from evil spirits and influences.

“
First used in the ancient Chinese Han Dynasty , these type of pictures depicting venerated and deified fiercely armed Generals , were used to ward off evil spirits and encourage positive influences.
M Lees and Sons

. This pair probably portraying the images of Qin Quiong and Yuchi Gong , two Generals appointed by the Han emperor Taizong as his personal guardians.

fig 1. A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons.
fig 1. Large Pair of Mid C19th Finely-painted Chinese Watercolours Depicting Menshen or Door Gods .

In excellent original condition, with vibrant , strong colours and intricate details to the painting . Later mounted within moulded black and gilt ‘Hogarth’ style frames , the versos bearing the paper label of the esteemed London gallery of “Henry Sotheran Ltd . London W1”

Highly decorative pair of exotic Chinese watercolours having a fascinating historical significance and purpose.

H 37”

W 21”

D 1”

China c.1870

Date of Manufacture

M Lees and Sons has dated these Antique Chinese Watercolours to the 19th Century.

Height
93cm (36.61")
Width
52cm (20.47")
Depth
2cm (0.79")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1223207
Dealers Internal Ref
ML 267
M Lees and Sons
M Lees and Sons
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2013

M.lees & sons , 'tower house' , severn st., worcester wr12nb tel . 07860826218

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the M Lees and Sons Profile Page

Trade Associations

M Lees and Sons is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

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A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. SOLD11 JUL 26
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Archive I A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. SOLD11 JUL 26

Large Pair of Mid C19th Finely-painted Chinese Watercolours Depicting Menshen or Door Gods .

Archive II A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View II
Archive III A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View III
Archive IV A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View IV
Archive V A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View V
Archive VI A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View VI
Archive VII A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View IX
Archive X A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View X
Archive XI A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View XI
Archive XII A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View XII
Archive XIII A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View XIII
Archive XIV A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View XIV
Archive XV A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View XV
Archive XVI A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View XVI
Archive XVII A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View XVII
Archive XVIII A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View XVIII
Archive XIX A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View XIX
Archive XX A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View XX
Archive XXI A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View XXI
Archive XXII A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View XXII
Archive XXIII A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons. View XXIII
Enlarged Archival View
Location
Tower House
1 Castle Place
Severn St
Worcester
WR1 2NB
United Kingdom
Verified Since Feb 2013
Items For Sale 370
Items Sold 1,602
M Lees and Sons
M Lees and Sons
Verified Since Feb 2013
View Dealer Info
Location: Tower House, 1 Castle Place, Severn St, Worcester, WR1 2NB, United Kingdom
Verified
Feb 2013
For Sale
370
Sold
1,602
A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons.
Large pair of mid C19th finely-painted Chinese watercolours depicting Menshen or door gods .
Ref: SA1223207
A pair of framed mid-nineteenth-century Chinese watercolours depicting traditional armoured door gods with elaborate robes and weapons.
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Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectPaintings
  • Period19th century
  • StyleQing Dynasty
  • MaterialWatercolour on paper, wood frame
  • ColourMulticoloured
  • MotifsArmour, Facial hair, Ceremonial weapons, Traditional robes
  • SizeH 93 cm (37 in) x W 52 cm (20 in) x D 2 cm (1 in)

Menshen, or door gods, are traditional Chinese Taoist and folk deities placed on doors to protect households from evil spirits and invite prosperity. Their depiction in art dates back over a millennium, becoming especially popular for New Year protection rituals.

These works are typically executed with mineral and vegetable pigments applied to mulberry or pith paper, often referred to as rice paper. Fine bamboo brushes were used to achieve meticulous linear detail and delicate wash gradients.

Authentic pieces from this period exhibit natural paper ageing, subtle pigment oxidation, and hand-painted brushwork rather than mechanical dot patterns. The paper texture is often fibrous and delicate, showing consistent tonal variations unique to historical hand-ground pigments.

Large-scale traditional pieces command attention when framed simply to let the artwork take precedence. They pair effectively with minimalist modern framing to create a striking focal point against neutral or darkly painted walls.

To prevent fading and paper degradation, these items must be kept away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Framing with UV-filtering conservation glass and acid-free mounting materials ensures long-term protection.
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