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Chinese Export Watercolor Exotic Bird Paintings on Paper
$2,000per set
£1,522.96per set
€1,753.65per set
CA$2,834.18per set
A$3,048.56per set
CHF 1,629.24per set
MX$35,933.86per set
NOK 20,540.90per set
SEK 18,778.28per set
DKK 13,102.69per set
About the Item
Natural History of the East: Pair of Fine Chinese Export Bird Watercolors
(c. 1800–1820)
A superb pair of early 19th-century Chinese Export ornithological paintings, executed in watercolor and gouache on high-quality Chinese paper. These works are exemplary of the "China Trade" period, where Western scientific interest met Eastern artistic precision.
The first composition depicts a solitary, vibrant blue-grey pigeon (likely an Imperial Pigeon) with striking red beak and legs. It is inscribed in the upper corner with the Chinese characters "大 鳩" (Dà Jiū), translating to "Large Pigeon" or "Great Dove."
The second work captures a dynamic scene of two brown birds—likely a courting pair of Laughingthrushes—interacting on a gnarled branch above blue-green scholars' rocks. The artist has labeled this pair with the characters "山 雞" (Shān Jī), translating to "Mountain Pheasant" or "Wild Fowl."
Both paintings feature these poetic vernacular labels typical of the genre, where local artists categorized species for Western buyers based on general traits rather than strict scientific taxonomy. They are presented in excellent custom mounts with green silk mats and housed in handsome contemporary gilt and dark wood frames.
Condition: Good- the colors remain remarkably fresh and vibrant, with no significant foxing or water damage visible.
Measurements:
Height: 38.10 cm (15 inches)
Width: 40.64 cm (16 inches)
Depth: 2.54 cm (1 inch)
Historical Context: In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, wealthy European and American traders in Canton commissioned local artists to document the flora and fauna of China. These artists adapted their traditional "bird and flower" (huaniao) painting style to meet the Western demand for scientific realism. The result was a unique hybrid genre: the composition is flat and decorative (Chinese style), but the coloring uses opaque gouache to render feathers with a density and realism preferred by Western naturalists.
Literature
Reference:
Craig Clunas, Chinese Export Watercolours (Victoria and Albert Museum Far Eastern Series): See page 89 for a plate featuring a Hawfinch with a nearly identical composition and stylistic treatment, confirming the date and studio origin of these works.
(Ref: ny5937B-mrr)
- Dimensions:Height: 15 in (38.1 cm)Width: 16 in (40.64 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Chinese Export (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1820-1830
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Downingtown, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: ny5937B-mrr1stDibs: LU86103043302
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Downingtown, PA
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