19th Century Chinese Qing Export School Album of Court Figure Paintings on Pith, Canton

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A beautiful set of 12 Chinese paintings on pith contained within their original album.The album comprises twelve particularly fine Qing … Read more A beautiful set of 12 Chinese paintings on pith contained within their original album.The album comprises twelve particularly fine Qing Dynasty court figures, arranged in six facing-page male / female pairs. They are mounted into an accordion-style album with silk brocade-wrapped boards featuring a repeating pattern using the Chinese 'wan' character, representing eternity and auspicious abundance. The piths are secured with blue silk ribbon tape, whilst the album is tied with a red ribbon.By virtue of being kept in the album, the condition of the paintings is very good, with beautifully vibrant intensity to the colours. The quality of the detail is exceptional, showcased in the figures' costumes, adorned with gold and fine patterning, such as xiangyun (cloud motifs), flowers, and dragons. The faces are particularly sensitive and naturalistic.The imperial figures include the enthroned Emperor and his wife (the first pair when the album is read from right to left), along with five further noble pairs. A number of the female figures wear yellow clothing, a colour reserved for high-ranking imperial consorts. Like-wise, a number of the men have peacock plumes in their hats, granted by emperors to officials who had distinguished themselves. One of the men is a Manchu archer, an elite member of the imperial military, carrying a traditional, large Manchu bow.Subjects comprise:Qing Dynasty Noble Consort;Qing Dynasty Distinguished Court Official;Qing Dynasty Noblewoman with Fan;Qing Dynasty Archer with Manchu Bow;Qing Dynasty Young Noblewoman;Qing Dynasty Court Official of Sixth Rank;Qing Dynasty Noblewoman;Qing Dynasty Court Official with Pink Sash;Qing Dynasty Noblewoman in Green;Qing Dynasty Court Official of Sixth Rank;Qing Dynasty Empress on Throne;Qing Dynasty Emperor on Throne.Pith size (each): 15.5 x 9.5cm.Album page size: 21.5 x 16.5cm. Dimensions: Height: 21.5cm (8.46") Width: 16.5cm (6.5")Presented: In original accordian-style album.Medium: Chinese Painting on PithAge: Mid-19th-centurySigned: No.Inscribed: No.Dated: --Condition: Overall in very good condition for its age. Some minor marks and nicks, with a limited number of hairline cracks and small losses to the pith. Some foxing to the paper album pages and minor wear to silk covers, with partial spine split at right cover board. Please study images for full detail.Stock number: KD-941 See less