Set of Six Chinese Canton Watercolors on Pith Paper Depicting Royals

Description

A charming and rare set of six Chinese gouaches of male and female nobility in various costumes, with attendants, painted … more A charming and rare set of six Chinese gouaches of male and female nobility in various costumes, with attendants, painted on pith paper. Beautifully framed and matted.
During the 18th and 19th centuries many port cities of China were shipping and trading hubs, with important transport connections to other parts of the country, Japan and Europe.
European travelers and traders, would purchase gouaches from the various painting studios nearby the port. These paintings 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.
Many export paintings were known for their skillful treatment of subject and brilliancy of color; These paintings are no exception. less