Georgian Pith Paper Painting of Dogs Rare Springer Spaniel Subject C 1830 AF

Well it always lovely to discover a first! After many decades in the antiques trade we are more used to seeing antique Chinese pith paper paintings that depict birds, flowers or Chinese persons. In our experience, this depiction of two English springer spaniels collecting a pheasant is very unusual!

Pith paintings are painted in Gouache and ink on a material called pith. Often erroneously called Rice Paper, Pith is a completely different material. It comes from a Chinese native tree called Tetrapanax Papyrifera. The stems are made up of a spongy velvety tissue which is extracted, dried, pressed and cut in to thin sheets. These sheets were the perfect medium for holding Gouache paint as it made the paint's vibrancy really stand out. Tourists to China during the 1800s loved these pith paintings, and loved to bring them home as mementos of their visit.

As you can clearly see from our many images this pith paining was originally included in a scrap album, you can see the decorative 19th century embossed paper edges. You can just make out writing to the reverse of the album sheet too. At a later date it has been removed and housed in this gorgeous antique 19th century frame with its faux wood painted effect and high gloss finish.

As you will also see, pith paper is notoriously delicate. As it is a natural fibrous substance, with age it does dry out and crack.

Size: Frame 6 3/4 inch tall by 8 1/4 inch wide. (17 cm by 21 cm). Aperture 3 inch tall by 5 inch wide (8 cm by 12.5 cm)

Condition: Showing its age, vertical split to pith paper. Several other cracks to the pith paper and a couple of small losses. Clearly shown in our many images.

A super little 19th century dog artwork for your curated interior.

Item id:16281