[ANONYMOUS]. Set of 16 Chinese pith paintings
c.1840-1860, gouache on pith paper
£ 11,500
Album of 16 Chinese gouache paintings on pith paper, beautifully and meticulously made, containing 8 tipped in leaves framed in light-blue silk, all of Chinese men and women in court costume in vivid colours except for the last leaf, depicting a junk ship with three masts; 8 additional loose leaves, 6 of which represent a variety of flowers and fruits, and the last two different types of butterflies and other insects; small tears to edges of some leaves, only one affecting the painting, slight creasing and light spotting to two leaves; in its original silk covered portfolio case 350 x 255 mm (leaves of varying sizes), patterned with red and blue flowers on a green background, green silk ties, one trimmed short, corners and spine worn.
These delicate and intricate paintings were created on a special type of paper made from the pith of the tetrapanax papyrifer plant, a native plant of Southern China. Pith paintings date back to the early 19th century and were often associated with Westerners living in China, particularly European traders and missionaries. Chinese artists catered to the tastes of these foreign patrons by creating paintings of daily life, nature, birds, flowers, mixing Chinese and Western painting styles. The lightweight and translucent nature of the pith paper allowed for intricate detailing and vibrant colours, contrasting with the taste of European watercolours at the time. These were highly valued as exotic souvenirs and often exported, becoming sought-after collector’s items appreciated for their delicate beauty and cultural significance.