Object 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.