A FINE PAIR OF BUDDHIST PAINTINGS, China, 17th ct., ink and colors on silk, mounted on board. On the upper left a cartouche with the title of the painting written in gold pigment on red ground: "The five pure-dwelling heavens of the world of form" (sejie wu jing tian zhong). According to the inscription the five female figures with nimbi dressed in rich Chinese costume symbolize the five pure-dwelling heavens in the fourth dhyana heaven of the world of pure form (Rupadhatu), the second of three worlds (Trailokya). Into these heavens only the disciples of Buddha (Arhats) or other holy beings are born. They comprise the 'Heaven free from trouble' (Wufantian), the 'Heaven of no distress' (Wuretian), the 'Heaven of beautiful presentation' (Shanxiantian), the 'Heaven of Beauty' (Shanjiantian) and the 'Supreme heaven of the realm of form' (Se jiujing tian). At the top the small figure of an Apsara is flying amidst a cloud carrying a plate with a miniature mountain (penjing). The second painting on the upper right a cartouche with the title of the painting written in gold pigment on red ground: "The four Dhyana Heavens and the Nine Heavens of the world of form" (sejie si chan jiu tian). Four female deities dressed in rich Chinese costume and with nimbi are standing amidst clouds. Their hands are folded for prayer and their delicately painted faces show solemnity and compassion. The upward flying bands of their garments express their lively spirit. At the top the small figure of an Apsara is flying amidst a cloud scattering flowers from a bowl, which are dispersed over the whole picture - Provenance: Former old German private collection, assembled prior to 1920 - Minor restorations and wear