Pair of Chinese Botanical Paintings by Sunqua, C. 1800-50

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Description

Chinese export botanical painting on pith (rice) paper centering on an elaborately constructed basket arranged with a bouquet of mixed … Read more Chinese export botanical painting on pith (rice) paper centering on an elaborately constructed basket arranged with a bouquet of mixed flowers. These customarily were painted in groups of 12 as part of an album of floral still life or scenic gouaches, primarily made for the Western trade during the first half of the 19th century. Attributed to the artist, Sunqua, by author and China trade expert, Carl Crossman. Framed with original silk edging on archival mat and framed under UV filtering glass.

A original typed description/provenance is affixed to the back of one frame. It reads:
Hand painted pictures on rice paper brought from the East Indies by Mr. Allison Rathbun in the 1840's, a wedding present to Mrs. Joseph Bell.

Copy of letter from Bishop White on value of rice paper pictures:
"Bishop White wishes to thank Miss Bell for showing him the portfolio of Chinese paintings.
He says they are of the highest type of rice paper pictures, far better than anything available to-day.
It is difficult to give exact dates but Bishop White places the pictures at being between 100 and 150 years old.
These are Chinese paintings from Canton, South China.
Bishop White, following his life in China, was in charge of the Oriental Section of the Royal Ontario Museum."

China, circa 1800-50. See less