Pair of fine quality smaller size mid 19th century Chinese watercolor “Pith Paintings”, (probably by the same artist) portraying life in that country at the time. The paintings exemplify great detail and crisp bright colors. One illustrates two traditional vessels; a woven canopied sampan used to transport people; while the other is a cargo boat which is transporting highly detailed colorful porcelain pots. Note the intricate fine detail, especially impressive due to the smaller size.
The other watercolor presents a more elaborate and detailed image, featuring a Mandarin or Flower boat with highly decorative green lattice work; an intricate colorful hand painted flag is mounted to the rear. This boat was probably used to transport the “elite” class in mid 19th century China. The second smaller boat is another canopied transport sampan.
Both watercolors are mounted and matted identically in later mid 20th century frames with a narrow gold leaf border and a black interior fillet. A deep cut gilt matte is bordered by triple blue thin line perimeter stencil lines.
The condition of both is very good with no rips or tears of any kind and no touch up paint or restoration; simply a lovely pair of authentic all original Chinese mid 19th century pith paintings
Dimensions:
frame= 9 7/8″ wide x 8″ high
actual painting reveal= 5 5/8″ wide x 3 3/4″ high
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.