Pair Of Portraits, Paintings Under Glass 19th Century

Pair of portraits of young Chinese women in traditional clothing sitting in front of a table.
Original carved wooden frames. These paintings made in China and more particularly in Canton and intended for the European market were framed in this type of frame which easily matched the bourgeois furniture of the time.
Very good condition, no damage to the glass, minor wear.
With the frame  58x43 cm

frame Painting under glass is an artistic technique which consists of painting on an inverted sheet of glass, that is to say painting on the interior side of the sheet. This technique appeared in the Middle Ages in Europe, but it was also used in Asia, particularly in China. The origin of the Chinese glass painting technique is uncertain. Some art historians believe that it appeared in China in the 18th century. Others argue that the technique dates back to the 16th century, when the Ming dynasty encouraged trade with the West, particularly with the Portuguese. Regardless, the technique of painting under glass appeared in China at a time when the country already had a long artistic tradition. This technique was therefore quickly integrated into Chinese artistic culture and gave rise to original and refined works. Chinese glass paintings have dealt with many subjects, both religious and secular. The most common subjects are landscapes, portraits, scenes of everyday life and historical scenes. The Chinese glass painting technique allows you to work with colors in a very fine and detailed way. Chinese artists were therefore able to create very realistic paintings, often imbued with great poetry. The technique of Chinese glass painting is very delicate and requires great mastery. The painter must first draw the pattern on the reverse surface of the glass, using a special ink. Then, he applies the color using a very fine brush, avoiding overflowing onto the parts already painted. Once the painting is finished, another glass is placed on the painted side, to protect the paint and avoid scratches. Everything is then mounted in a wooden frame, often richly decorated. Unfortunately, the art of Chinese glass painting is dying out. The technique is taught more and more rarely and the artists who practice it are fewer and fewer. However, a few enthusiasts try to preserve this technique, like the Chinese artist Wen Wei Xu. The latter, based in France, is one of the last to master the art of Chinese glass painting. He creates original works, often inspired by nature, which he exhibits in art galleries. Chinese glass painting is an ancient and refined art, which deserves to be better known in the West. Although the technique is disappearing, a few enthusiasts strive to preserve it and keep it alive. Chinese glass painting works are precious testimonies of Chinese art and culture, to be admired in museums and private collections.