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Set of Antique Chinese pith paintings depicting tea production

Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Set of Antique Chinese pith paintings depicting tea production
Chinese, 19th Century
Panel: Height 21cm, width 33cm
Frame: Height 37cm, width 49cm, depth 1.5cm

These six painted vignettes expertly depict the process of tea production, capturing a snapshot of rural life in 19th century China.

The figurative paintings are filled with character, depicting men and women collecting shrubs or drying out tea leaves. Vibrant shades of red, green, and blue stand out against a plain white background, and the flat surfaces and block colours are typical of 19th century Chinese artworks. The pith paper medium aids the brightness of colour, since it allows paint to pool on the surface like an enamel.

Chinese pith paintings such as these were designed for Western export, as beautiful souvenirs of Westerners’ travels to the East. The paintings would usually capture the life and customs of the local area, whether that be indigenous flora and fauna or daily activities.

The paintings are ensconced in later added vibrant blue painted frames, that wonderfully complement the colours of the paintings themselves.

Remarkably well preserved, this superb set of paintings is filled with history, and would make a charming addition to an antique collection.

More Information

Origin:	China
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Painted wood, watercolour, pith paper.
Styles / Movements:	Asian Art
Dealer Reference #:	17537
Incollect Reference #:	697720

Dimensions

W.	19.29 in;	H.	14.57 in;	D.	0.59 in;
W.	49 cm;	H.	37 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.