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Six Diminutive 19thC. Qing Chinese Pith Paintings Mounted in (3) Matching Frames
$785
£594.94
€682.35
CA$1,096.79
A$1,196.54
CHF 634.62
MX$14,415.64
NOK 8,054.59
SEK 7,374.19
DKK 5,096.10
About the Item
Difficult to find set of six diminutive mid 19th century Qing Dynasty hand painted Chinese Pith watercolor paintings; prepared for the tourist trade; depicting mores and customs of Chinese people; portrayed here in these six images are a couple, dancing in some type of celebratory mode, while a commoner is displaying fauna from a hanging pole; in the next pair of paintings the two images show a couple playing; the female in pink and green holding a faux sword is dancing, while the male is dressed in green trousers and a formal bluish shirt giving his cat a ride pulling him along in a miniature wheeled scooter; both have pig tails; in the third framed pair of images, two women are portrayed with more formal attire. Deep rich colors of auburn green and blue to the woman on the right who seems to be engaged in some type of sewing while sitting atop a small platform; while the woman on the right is dressed up in fancy clothes wearing a green shawl over4 a black and orange dress as she is clutching a fan, perhaps getting ready to take a walk.
All three pictures are in identical narrow gilt 19th century frames with reeded inset to each side and all have had fresh brown paper applied to the back, and all are under glass. They are being sold as I have had them displayed; each in an adjustable brass stand to be displayed on a table, counter, shelf, or other flat surface. The three brass stands are included with the purchase.
All six of the pith paintings are:
3 7/8" high by 2 3/4" wide.
They are double matted in frame 7 3/4"high x 9 3/4" wide
and with the frame they are 8 1/2" high x 10 1/2" wide
The condition of all six authentic circa 1850 pith paintings is very good especially considering they are about 160 years old. The images are clear, with bright colors; well drawn in water color and completely all original with no repairs or touch up paint of any kind and have been "in frame" for a very long time. There is an ever so slight horizontal hairline extending through the bottom dress of the standing lady in green (hardly noticeable). Pith paintings are fairly rare, as they are delicate pictures on fragile "Pith" paper.
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: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)Width: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)Depth: 0.63 in (1.61 cm)
- Style:Qing (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1850
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Incline Village, NV
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU973247531302
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Incline Village, NV
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