Chinese Qing Dynasty Album of Court Figure Paintings on Pith, Canton, 19th-century

A beautiful set of 12 Chinese paintings on pith contained within their original album.

Pith size (each): 15.5 x 9.5cm.

Album page size: 21.5 x 16.5cm.

The album comprises twelve particularly fine Qing Dynasty court figures, arranged in six facing-page female / male pairs. They are mounted into an accordion-style album with silk brocade-wrapped boards featuring a repeating pattern using the Chinese 'wan' character, representing eternity and auspicious abundance. The piths are secured with blue silk ribbon tape, whilst the album is tied with a red ribbon.

By virtue of being kept in the album, the condition of the paintings is very good, with beautifully vibrant intensity to the colours. The quality of the detail is exceptional, showcased in the figures' costumes, adorned with gold and fine patterning, such as xiangyun (cloud motifs), flowers, and dragons. The faces are particularly sensitive and naturalistic.

The imperial figures include the enthroned emperor and his wife (the first pair when the album is read from right to left), along with five further noble pairs.

Read more about Chinese Pith Paintings.

View details of the 12 individual paintings below. Click through on each for full description, condition and images.

Price: £xxxx