Bidspirit auction | A Pair of Chinese Style

A Pair of Chinese Style Woodblock Prints on Handmade Paper - This lot comprises two matted woodblock prints executed in a traditional Chinese style, characterized by the prominent use of cinnabar red ink. These prints are visually consistent with specimens included in the mid-20th century catalogs produced by the Stevens-Nelson Paper Corporation. The first print depicts a red-skinned figure in flowing robes, identified as the Demon Queller Zhong Kui or the Celestial Master Zhang, seated beside a stylized orange and black striped tiger. The print features two black cartouches with inscriptions. The right cartouche includes the cyclical date Renwu (壬午), corresponding to years such as 1882 or 1942, and the artist pseudonym Qingxu Daoren (清虚道人). A central square seal is positioned between the text blocks. The second print features an elderly figure with an elongated forehead and long beard, typical of a deity of longevity such as Jurōjin or Fukurokuju. The image is rendered in white line work against a solid red background, a technique intended to resemble a stone rubbing. An inscription at the top left includes the cyclical date Gengwu (庚午), which may refer to 1870 or 1930, accompanied by a square red seal. Each matted print: 14 x 11 inches Total width: 23 inches.