Antique 19th Century Chinese Export Painting on Pith Paper

Up for auction is a beautiful antique 19th-century Chinese export painting executed in watercolor and gouache on delicate pith paper (historically referred to as rice paper). This highly collectible piece depicts a lively bird-hunting scene featuring three figures in traditional Qing dynasty garments. One figure is seen aiming a long-barreled weapon towards small blue birds perched on a blossoming tree, while his companions assist with a bow and arrows.

Pith paintings of this era were hand-painted in specialized studios around the Canton (Guangzhou) region as exquisite, lightweight souvenirs for Western traders and travelers. Because pith paper is an organic, cellular material sliced from the stem of the Tetrapanax papyrifer plant, it catches light beautifully, giving the pigments an exceptionally vibrant, velvety quality.

Features & Specifications:

• Era: Late Qing Dynasty (19th Century, approx. 18501890)
• Medium: Gouache and watercolor on authentic natural pith paper
• Subject: Traditional Chinese landscape with figures hunting birds
• Total Dimensions (Including Frame): 43 cm x 31 cm
• Framing: Professionally double-matted with a modern textured slate-grey mat board and a clean white inner frame, keeping the delicate paper well-stabilized and protected behind glass.

Condition Note:
The painting presents vibrant, well-preserved coloration. As is typical with genuine 19th-century pith paper due to its incredibly fragile, brittle nature, there may be characteristic light splitting or age-related structural cracking. Please examine the high-resolution photographs carefully to assess the exact condition.