Pair of Paintings with Chinese Figures

Features

Artwork title:  Coppia di figure cinesi

Age:  19th Century / 1801 - 1900

Subject:  Chinese subject

Origin:  China

Artistic technique:  Painting

Technical specification:  Tempera on pith-paper

Description : Coppia di figure cinesi

Tempera on pith paper. Chinese, Canton, Qing dynasty, ca. 1860. These two figurines of popular Chinese characters were originally kept in an album, part of a larger collection, but are presented here instead in a beautiful frame decorated with embroidered floral fabrics. Pith paper is a thin, translucent material derived from the pith of the Tetrapanax papyrifer tree, or "pith plant," native to China and Taiwan. Pith paper entered pictorial use to meet the growing demand for small, inexpensive, and easily transportable souvenirs following the massive growth of trade with China in the first quarter of the 19th century. Because many were sold in albums and thus protected from light, they retain their vibrant colors even today.

Product Condition:
Item in very good condition, possibly showing minor signs of wear; it may have undergone expert restoration. We try to present the item's actual condition as accurately as possible with photos. If any details are unclear from the photos, the description will apply.

Frame Size (cm):
Height: 35
Width: 30
Depth: 3,5

Artwork dimensions (cm):
Height: 9,5
Width: 6