Anonymous (18th century)Magpies
Depicting an autumnal scene with four magpies amidst a flowering orange-leaved tallow tree, entwining wisteria vine and chrysanthemum.
73 inches x 19 inches (unframed) (185.4 x 48.2cm)注脚This may have formed part of a group of paintings of the four seasons.

This Chinese Tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum) is native to southern China, where a substantial industry once revolved around the harvesting and processing of its waxy seeds. They were thrown into boiling water to remove the wax, which was skimmed off and used to make candles. The seeds were then pressed to extract an oil for use in lamps, as a purgative, and for making oil-paper and soap. Today the tallow tree is grown mostly as an ornamental, and it is one of the few deciduous trees to produce good autumn color in areas with mild winters.

For a smaller scroll painting of magpies and chrysanthemums dated late Ming or early Qing Dynasty, see Christie's New York, 22/23 March 2012, lot 1662.