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Early 19th Century Chinese Botanical Butterfly Watercolor on Pith Paper

About the Item

A 19th century Qing dynasty Chinese watercolor featuring a botanical scene. A broken branch suspended mid page features a striking butterfly atop a vivid reddish orange camellia flower with a small beetle crawling from the leaves below. Framed in gilt and dark brown velvet complimenting the vivid palette. This type of Chinese painting, often referred to as an export painting, was created as a souvenir for travelling westerners throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, being both easier to transport and less costly than an oil painting. The uniform robustness of pith paper, cut directly from the dense wood of a tree native to the Ginseng family, allowed incredibly delicate and rich depictions of landscapes and botanical subjects.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 20.28 in (51.5 cm)Width: 16.34 in (41.5 cm)Depth: 1.97 in (5 cm)
  • Style:
    Qing (Of the Period)
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 19th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Marking and creasing to the surface of the paper due to age. Some chipping to the gilt around the frame.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2102311022573
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