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Ephemeral Beauty: Set of Six Chinese Export "Pith Paper" Paintings of Butterflie
$4,500per set
£3,399.58per set
€3,898.59per set
CA$6,278.89per set
A$6,833.36per set
CHF 3,622.36per set
MX$82,210.57per set
NOK 45,943.15per set
SEK 42,034.76per set
DKK 29,125.39per set
About the Item
Ephemeral Beauty: Set of Six Chinese Export "Pith Paper" Paintings of Butterflies,
Circa 1840–1860
A charming and cohesive set of six mid-19th century Chinese Export paintings, executed in vibrant gouache and watercolor on pith paper (often erroneously called "rice paper"). Created during the height of the Canton trade, these works were prized souvenirs for Western travelers, celebrated for their almost jewel-like luminosity.
Each painting features a central study of a large, exotic butterfly—likely depicted from specimens found in the Pearl River Delta—hovering amongst sprays of native flowering plants (camellias, peonies, and roses) and smaller insects (beetles, bees). The unique cellular structure of the pith paper absorbs the pigment in a way that gives the butterfly wings a velvety, three-dimensional texture that cannot be replicated on standard paper.
Framing: The set is beautifully presented in uniform giltwood frames with dark green silk mats, evoking a period aesthetic. They are fitted with UV-protective glass to ensure the preservation of the delicate, light-sensitive pigments.
Measurements:
Frame Height: 10 7/8 inches (27.6 cm)
Frame Width: 12 inches (30.5 cm)
Frame Depth: 3/4 inch (1.9 cm)
Historical Context:
"Pith paper" is made not from rice, but from the spongey inner pith of the Tetrapanax papyrifer plant. In the 19th century, Cantonese artists mastered the use of this material to create albums of insects, costumes, and punishments for the export market. Because the paper becomes brittle over time, finding a matched set of six in such vibrant condition is increasingly rare.
(Ref: NY10965-nm
- Dimensions:Height: 10.88 in (27.64 cm)Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)Depth: 0.75 in (1.91 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 6
- Style:Chinese Export (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1840-60
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Very good antique condition. Colors are exceptionally bright. Pith paper is notoriously fragile and prone to cracking; these examples are stable with only minor age-related toning or small stabilized fissures typical of the medium.
- Seller Location:Downingtown, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: NY10965-nmrr1stDibs: LU861047870752
About the Seller
5.0
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Established in 1916
1stDibs seller since 2009
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Typical response time: 1 hour
Associations
The Art and Antique Dealers League of AmericaAntiques Associations Members
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Downingtown, PA
- Return Policy
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