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Antique set of six Chinese paintings depicting weaving

Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Antique set of six Chinese paintings depicting weaving
Chinese, 19th Century
Panel: Height 32cm, width 21cm
Frame: Height 47.5cm, width 36cm, depth 1.5cm

This set of Chinese pith paintings depicts six vignettes of women weaving. The bright colours of the paintings stand out against the plain white background, and the fabrics of the clothing, carpets, and curtains are filled with rich patterning that catches the viewer’s eye. The vibrancy of the colours is aided by the use of the less absorbent pith paper medium, which allows the paint to pool on the surface to create sparkling raised details of colour. The vignettes employ the flattened pictorial surface and large swathes of colour blocking that are typical of 19th century Chinese painting, whilst the elements of detail and realism show an additional Western influence.

Pith paintings such as these were created for the export market, as charming souvenirs of typical daily life in China that a Western traveller could take home. As with this set, they typically depicted either traditional local customs and activities, or plants and animals indigenous to the area.

Each painting is enclosed in a later added painted wooden frame.

Expertly rendered and filled with charming character, this fine collection is a superb example of the decorative antique sets being made in China during the 19th century.

More Information

Origin:	China
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Painted wood, watercolour, pith paper.
Styles / Movements:	Asian Art
Dealer Reference #:	17536
Incollect Reference #:	697719

Dimensions

W.	14.17 in;	H.	18.7 in;	D.	0.59 in;
W.	36 cm;	H.	47.5 cm;	D.	1.5 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.