Pair of Antique Chinese Gouache Pith Paper Paintings Theatrical Figures, C.1850

Pair of Antique 19th Century Chinese Export Pith Paper Paintings Theatrical Figures, Canton C.1850
'Wind and Percussion'

A fine and well-matched pair of large single-figure studies, executed in gouache on pith paper, each depicting a participant in Chinese opera or ceremonial procession with vivid colour and careful attention to costume and theatrical detail. The first figure depicts a performer in an elaborately decorated theatrical headdress with sweeping curved ornamental wings, characteristic of the military wu sheng role in Peking opera, wearing an orange outer robe with green trim over pink and blue lower garments, and carrying a suona wind instrument over the shoulder. The second depicts a male procession attendant in orange robe and green sash, carrying a large bronze gong (luo) and a yellow silk banner bearing the Chinese characters 金鼓 (jīn gǔ, meaning "cymbals and drums"), identifying him explicitly as a member of a ceremonial percussion ensemble.

The pairing of wind and percussion players, the theatrical costume detail, and the inscribed banner mark these as unusually specific and informative examples within the Canton figure-painting tradition.

Both figures are cut to silhouette and presented against the characteristic luminous white pith ground, framed in matching gilt frames with cream mounts and gilt line borders.

Period: Qing dynasty, C.1850
Origin: Canton (Guangzhou), China
Medium: Gouache on pith paper, cut to silhouette
Dimensions: 34.5 × 23.5 cm each (framed)
Condition: Good. Pith paper intact on both sheets; colours vivid and well-preserved; natural creamy toning to grounds consistent with age. Matching gilt frames with some minor wear.

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