help with old Chinese watercolor on silk

[Eric A. Murray]

I am heir to a fantastic painting that has been quietly resting in
my grandfather's Chicago home for around 80 years (at least). It is
an original watercolor (and ink?) on silk and measures almost 70" tall
by 40" wide. The composition centers around a peacock and peahen with
many other significant songbirds on a background of coniferous plants/
trees. The painting has darkened some over the years but still has some
striking colors in the peacocks and a few other choice places. I have
had a few Chinese friends try to interpret the signature (stamp) and
caption and all they can get out of it is "mid-summer birds singing."

No one around here can identify the artist. I have looked up the style
and it appears to be original "gongbi." At one time, a major university
in Chicago appraised it at over $10k. It remains in its original, old
wood and glass frame. This glass is thin and wavy and has some
imperfections. Because this was on silk, there has been some small
molding and slight cracking, but overall it is in tact. I think the small
white mold spots can be professionally vacuumed off.

Can you help me find an appraiser or knowledgeable person to identify it?
I have some clear photos of portions of it and the painter's stamp.

I've had little luck searching the WWW for info. Thanks
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Eric A. Murray "e...@bbt.com"
BroadBand Technologies, Inc. - RTP, NC
(919) 405-4788 | 1-800-skypage #2495476
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