Framed Watercolour Painting of A Dignitary on Pith Paper - 19th Century Rustic Elegance Mongolian Sideboard - this piece

Mongolian Sideboard - this piece has original painting - circa 1920

The most striking detail is the carved top gallery

Reclaimed Architectural Element

making it an adaptable addition to a wide range of interior settings

Often seen used over the doorways in Gujarat and Rajasthan

Framed Watercolour Painting of A Dignitary on Pith Paper - 19th Century Rustic Elegance Mongolian Sideboard - this pieceThis antique Chinese pith 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, a dignitary can be seen wearing traditional Chinese dress adorned with dragons and holding a ruyi (ceremonial scepter). Pith paper is the spongy cellular tissue in the stem of a small tree called tetrapanax