Showrooms

Mid 19th Century Set of Eight Chinese Watercolors of the Production of Silk

Offered by: Michael Pashby Antiques

Description
Process of silk making (sericulture) depicted in the paintings:
1. Gathering of silkworm eggs
2. Laying silkworms with mulberry leaves on trays
3. Moving silkworms to frame for spinning cocoons
4. Sorting cocoons
5. Boiling cocoons
6. Reeling silk threads
7. Weaving fabric with silk threads
8. Selling silk fabric

Watercolors depicting Chinese characters and everyday life were extremely popular subjects for export to the European markets in the 19th century, and many albums were produced in Canton by the pre-eminent artist studios of the day including Tingqua, Sungqua and Youqua.

The watercolors were collected by the European travelers and merchants of the day in much the same way that postcards were collected in the era of photography, and as with all ephemera the illustrations in quality is extreme.

The set of eight watercolors (gouache) that we present there depict the process of the “production of silk” and relate directly to similar sets in the Peabody Museum, the Mystic Seaport Museum and are of the highest quality. It is evident that the very best of three watercolor series depict a very limited number of subjects; the cultivation of rice, the production of porcelain, the production of silk, and the cultivation of tea, and an appear to have original from the same studio. Each individual painting is fully realized and finished to a very high artistic quality.

Interestingly all of these works are painted on what is known as pith paper (sometimes erroneously referred to a rice paper). Pith paper is not actually paper at all but a cellular tissue skillfully cut from the stem of a small tree Tetrapanax Papyrifera, native to south west China. The pith paper support for the watercolor is extremely thin producing a translucent quality and artist has painted the sky and landscape featured on the reverse of the paper with the figures and building structures and detail painted on the face of the painting resulting in a wonderful depth to each scene.

Given the fragility of the thin paper and the fugitive nature of the watercolor, series of painting such as these were laid down on Chinese paper and bound into albums to protect them from damage and light. These pieces have now been framed with acid free materials and protected with non-reflective UV-filtering glass.

Provenance:
By repute, the Mottahedeh Collection
With Martyn Gregory, London, 1980’s

Measurements:
9 1/8 ins high and 11 1/2 ins wide (frame)
4 ins high and 6 1/2 ins wide (sight)

More Information

In the Style of:	Chinese School
Origin:	China
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Watercolor
Condition:	Excellent.
Creation Date:	Mid 19th Century
Styles / Movements:	Asian Art
200 Lex Booth #:	12
Dealer Reference #:	180-104
Incollect Reference #:	285464

Dimensions

W.	11.5 in;	H.	9.125 in;	D.	1 in;
W.	29.21 cm;	H.	23.18 cm;	D.	2.54 cm;

Message from Seller:

This revolutionary space showcases over 50 of the finest antique and vintage dealers, who present an extraordinary mix of antique, vintage, and 21st Century finds – furniture, accessories, lighting, fine art, and fine jewelry. We are an all-inclusive design resource for both designers and consumers THE GALLERY AT 200 LEX: MONDAY – FRIDAY 9:30 AM – 5:30PM FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 646-293-6633 OR EMAIL THEGALLERY@NYDC.COM

AVAILABLE AT:

The Gallery at 200 LEX