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 collection comprises 12 particularly fine Qing Dynasty court figures, arranged in 6 facing-page female / male pairs. They are mounted into an accordion-style album with silk brocade-wrapped boards featuring a repeating pattern using the 'wan' character, representing eternity and auspicious abundance. The piths are secured with blue ribbon tape, whilst the concertina 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 costumes adorned with gold and fine patterning, such as xiangyun (cloud motifs), flowers, and dragons. The faces are particularly sensitive and naturalistic.

The court figures include the emperor and his wife pictured on thrones, along with five further noble pairs.

Read more about Chinese Pith Paintings on our collection page.

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

List Price: £xxxx