DETAILS An antique Chinese painting on a silk ground decorated with an elaborate courtyard scene with many groups of figures interacting. The emperor appears at the top surrounded by courtesans. The scene may depict the Dream of the Red Chamber (Story of the Stone) from a classic 18th century novel by Chinese author Cao Xueqin. MEDIUM Painting on silk FRAMING Framed PLACE OF ORIGIN China | East Asia MARKS Inscription (upper left). PERIOD Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) | Jiaqing Era (1796-1821) ) | Early 19th century DATE Dated 1817 DIMENSIONS Width 42.5 Depth 1 Height 74 inches Sight: Width 40 Height 71.5 inches