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Mid 19th Century Performative Themed Chinese Framed Watercolor On Pith Paper
$420
£317.09
€363.76
CA$586.30
A$638.42
CHF 337.76
MX$7,699.13
NOK 4,297.45
SEK 3,928.78
DKK 2,716.72
About the Item
This circa 1855 Chinese hand painted pith painting portrays a Chinese tradition of a celebratory warrior dance to display fighting dominance; the two parties being a typical warrior with a spear and his opponent with a sword and sporting a highly decorated hard shell body shield. Both characters are in fancy dress and highly detailed both as regards life like postures in addition to clothing apparel; in bright original colors of blue, red, white, and green; all in a cream colored background. The picture is framed, matted, and under glass and in completely all original condition with no touch up paint or restoration of any kind.
Dimensions:
10 1/8" x 12 1/4" wide (includes frame)
4 7/8" x 7 1/2" wide
Note: Please see my other 19th century Chinese Pith Paintings that I have listed for sale.
Background:
19th century Chinese "Pith Paintings" were produced by local Chinese artists; painted predominately in watercolor on sheets of "pith paper" hand cut and trimmed from the stem of a papyrus type plant (indigenous to China), often mistakenly referenced as rice paper. Actual pith paper is porous and spongy, which results in the paint sitting on the surface, and producing a crisp and velvety look, with strong and vibrant sharp colors, often appearing as three dimensional.
During the 1800's in cities like Canton, China, and other tourist attractions, Chinese artisans painted and sold these gems to travelers as souvenirs to give them a glimpse of life in the "Orient" at the time. Whether it be their dress, customs, mores, or dining habits, Chinese tradition was featured on these small paintings and often they were placed in an inexpensive frame for the long journey home by land and sea. They were very rarely signed. The "heyday" of pith paintings was from the 1830's to 1870's (albeit, some earlier examples, circa 1820's, have been noted). The advent of photography in the late 1800's resulted in their demise. These mementoes turn up mainly in England, Western Europe, and to some extent, the United States; wealthy Americans having ventured to China in the mid to late 19th century.
Today, Chinese Pith Paintings have universally become quite collectible by antique aficionados and also, for those who like historical 19th century contemporaneous Asian artifacts. Collections can be found and viewed in the British Museum, The Hermitage, and The Peabody/ Essex Museum in Massachusetts.
Note: I am a second generation antiques dealer and have been in business, buying, selling, and collecting, for 50 years; I am also a member of several prestigious antique associations. Thus, I am well qualified to inspect and evaluate the products I offer for sale and I guarantee this to be authentic and as I have described.
- Dimensions:Height: 10.13 in (25.74 cm)Width: 12.25 in (31.12 cm)Depth: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)
- Style:Qing (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Citca 1855
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Incline Village, NV
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU973248025652
About the Seller
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Associations
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Incline Village, NV
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