Framed Chinese Pith Painting of An Official - 19th Century Slippers 72 x 6 x 147

72 x 6 x 147 (wxdxh cms)

Various layers of paint are visible showing this piece has had a long and colorful life

draped over the shoulders or layered as a refined finishing touch throughout the year

70 x 29 x 42 (w x d x h cms)

The shallow tapering shape has a timeless

Framed Chinese Pith Painting of An Official - 19th Century Slippers 72 x 6 x 147This excellent Chinese painting is painted on pith paper and dates from the 19th century. Pith paintings were painted in China for the European export market which was enjoying a fascination with all things Chinese and Chinoiserie. Here, an official scene plays out with two characters in traditional dress, one of which is armed. Pith paper is the spongy cellular tissue in the stem of a small tree called Tetrapanax Papyrifera, native to southwest