Framed Watercolour Painting of A Musician on Pith Paper - 19th Century Jali Panel a dignitary can be seen

a dignitary can be seen wearing traditional Chinese dress adorned with dragons and holding a ruyi (ceremonial scepter)

symbolising devotion

The frame is detailed with scrolling floral carvings

Built from heavy-gauge brass and fixed with copper rivets

Framed Watercolour Painting of A Musician on Pith Paper - 19th Century Jali Panel a dignitary can be seenThis excellent 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 musician can be seen wearing traditional Chinese dress, seated on a stool and playing an instrument. Pith paper is the spongy cellular tissue in the stem of a small tree called Tetrapanax Papyrifera,