Canton School : "pair Of Large Paintings On Rice Paper"

Canton School (19th century): “Pair of large paintings on rice paper”, gouaches on paper approximately 22 X 34 cm mounted with strips of brocade on vellum sheets 25 X 37 cm. Small gaps and breaks (see photos). The “rice paper”, in fact the pith of an elderberry-type shrub with a honeycomb structure and a rendering close to ivory, was used for many of these souvenir paintings brought back by travelers. Usually smaller, the fragility of their support has made them rare over the ages and are extraordinary documents on life in China at that time. Even more worked than the previous ones, a specialist will certainly be able to attribute them to one of the workshops that worked in Canton at that time. We see here a theatrical performance at the home of high dignitaries and the interior of an opium den. Do not hesitate to ask us for photos or additional information by email or telephone. Other photos and many other objects in our shops in Pau and Biarritz and on our website: galerielhoste.com.