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Set of Three 19th Century Chinese Export Pith Paintings of Junks

$2,450
£1,830.03
€2,121.63
CA$3,401.76
A$3,812.94
CHF 1,985.29
MX$46,557.62
NOK 25,205.91
SEK 23,892.94
DKK 15,829.67
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About the Item

A charming and rare set of 3 Chinese gouaches of sailing vessels/ junks, painted on pith paper, no frames but matted. Size: 15" W x 10.75" H with Mat; 12" W x 7.75" H without mat During the 18th and 19th centuries many port cities of China, especially southern Guandong province, were shipping and trading hubs, with important transport connections to other parts of the country, Japan and Europe. The profuse traffic of Chinese boats and vessels crowded together on the Pearl River fascinated European travellers and traders, who could immortalize that beautiful view by purchasing gouaches on different supports, including pith, from the various painting studios nearby the port. These painted views were produced in sets as souvenirs. They were small, extremely attractive objects, full of color and a marvelous velvety texture. They were perfectly complementary to the truly coveted objects of porcelain, tea and silk, whose purchase was the reason many Europeans traveled to China. Pith is often mistaken for rice paper for those unfamiliar with the material. However this support has nothing to do with paper in its structure and behavior. It´s actually a sheet of inner bark cut from the pith plant, the Tetrapanax Papyrifer. This unusual structure forming such a thin leaf gives the translucent nature and soft surface with its inner velvety texture to the support.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.75 in (27.31 cm)Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)Depth: 0.15 in (3.81 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    19th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
  • Seller Location:
    Norton, MA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5848234715462

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