Lovely and authentic all original mid 19th century pair of small Chinese Pith Paintings; double matted in a single plain narrow black straight reeded trimmed wooden frame; portrays an aristocratic or Chinese royal couple dressed in full and formal regal attire. The consort is in an articulated posture with a pair of wand like canes, as if dancing; dressed in bright colors of pink with multi colored floral decor to the dress and a blue, green, and red tiara while entertaining her, presumably, Gentry husband, who is as equally attired in formal clothing; consisting of a multi colored long blue, green, red, and white; robe, while sporting a fancy headdress with flowing tails, admiringly looking on to his spouse. All hand painted watercolor in great and colorful detail. The framework is probably original to the primary owner who likely traveled to China and acquired these images as a memento. I have gently revealed the underlying backing (see images) and noted that the framer is “Carson, Pirie, Scott and Co. Chicago” a picture framing company that eventually moved to South Street, Chicago. They commenced business in 1858. The previous owner to me even left the original eye hook and wire in place and covered with brown paper some time ago. I have left the second set of eye hooks and old wire and brown paper to the back for provenance and posterity. The next owner can display how they choose weather on a stand or wall decor. The condition is very good; there is an ever so slight tear to the gentleman at his arm that extends through his waist (see image); the colors are bright and crisp with zero fading; there is no restoration or touch up of any kind. It is highly doubtful that these have ever been removed from their original framing. Pith paintings are fairly rare, as they are delicate pictures on fragile “Pith” paper.
Dimensions:
10″ high x 11 1/4″ wide (with frame)
6 1/2″ x 3 1/4″ (each pith painting in matte and under glass)
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.