Offered for sale is a beautiful matching pair of antique Chinese Export pith paper watercolor portraits, depicting an elegantly dressed Qing Dynasty noblewoman and nobleman (official) seated beside traditional scholar's tables with blue porcelain vases, flowers, and decorative objects.
Each finely executed painting displays exceptional detail in the facial features, robes, furniture, and decorative motifs. The richly colored garments are decorated with traditional dragon designs and intricate embroidery, characteristic of high-ranking Qing court attire. The paintings are executed on delicate pith paper, a medium widely produced for the Western export market during the 19th century.
Both paintings remain in their original vintage gilt bamboo-style frames. The reverse of each retains an original F. H. Bresler Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin gallery label identifying the works as Chinese Portraits, "Original Painting," "Painted on Pith Paper," with a handwritten notation of Circa 1860.
These portraits were intended as companion pieces and display beautifully together. Matching pairs have become increasingly difficult to find, making this an attractive opportunity for collectors of Chinese export art, Asian antiques, or Victorian decorative arts.
• Overall framed size: approximately 13 × 16 inches
• Visible artwork: approximately 7 × 9 inches
Please refer to the ruler photographs for reference.
Both paintings remain in good antique condition consistent with age.
These artworks were acquired from a private collection more than 10 years ago and are being offered as antique decorative Chinese export paintings. The gallery labels on the reverse identify them as original pith paper paintings dating to approximately circa 1860; however, I am not an expert and cannot guarantee the exact age, artist, or originality. Please rely on the photographs and your own expertise before purchasing.
The paintings will be carefully packed and shipped with appropriate protection to preserve both the artwork and the original frames.