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China Trade Framed Pith Paper Set of Pictures of Butterflies and Plants

$10,580per set

£8,062.16per set

€9,297.89per set

CA$15,026.76per set

A$16,145.42per set

CHF 8,661.99per set

MX$190,211.66per set

About the Item

Fluttering Exotica: Eight China Trade Watercolors on Pith Paper This superb Set of Eight Chinese Watercolors, dating from Circa 1840–1860, offers a delicate and vibrant collection of botanical and entomological studies from the China Trade. Each miniature artwork, in a horizontal format, depicts a striking composition of colorful butterflies and insects resting on or flying near various Chinese flowers and foliage. The pieces are painted on pith paper (a material often misidentified as "rice paper"). The paintings have been skillfully conserved onto an acid-free backing but retain their original blue silk ribbon borders. They are presented in matching frames, emphasizing the artistry and delicate nature of the medium. Dimensions (Each Frame): 13 1/4 inches high×16 3/4 inches wide (33.66cm high x 42.55cm wide). The visible art (sight, from the edge of the silk ribbon) measures 7 inches × 10 1/2 inches. Provenance: The pieces are historically linked to the collection of Major Edward Uvedale Augustus Price (b. 1854) of the late 4th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, and originally featured his bookplate (with forty-two quarterings) in their original album. Historical Context: Botanical Art and the China Trade The Medium: Pith Paper These watercolors were produced in the trade ports of Canton (Guangzhou) during the mid-19th century for the burgeoning Western market. Pith paper, made from the spongy interior of the Tetrapanax papyrifer plant, was the preferred medium for these souvenirs. Its unique texture absorbs watercolor pigments brilliantly, creating a distinctive, luminous quality that enhances the vibrancy and realism of the subjects. Subject Matter: Nature and Symbolism While Western buyers sought detailed botanical and natural history illustrations, the Chinese artists were also conveying traditional symbolism: Butterflies (Hu Die): The butterfly is an important symbol in Chinese culture, representing long life, beauty, and the joy of summer. A pair of butterflies often symbolizes love and marital happiness. Flowers: The flowers themselves—which appear to include varieties of roses and other flora—carried specific auspicious meanings, contributing to the overall message of good fortune and happiness desired by both Chinese and Western collectors. Western Patronage The provenance connecting this set to Major Edward Uvedale Augustus Price (a Major in the East Surrey Regiment) highlights the common clientele for these artworks: European and American military officers, merchants, and travelers involved in the China Trade. These detailed, portable watercolors were highly desired as exotic souvenirs and fine decorative pieces to be brought back and displayed in Western homes. (Ref: NY10466-nnuu)

Dimensions:
Height: 13.25 in (33.66 cm)Width: 16.75 in (42.55 cm)Depth: 0.75 in (1.91 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 8
Style:
Chinese Export (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Paper
Place of Origin:
China
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
mid-19th century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Downingtown, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: NY10466-nnuu1stDibs: LU861038786722

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