Chinese Pith Paper Painting - 19th Century Style - Teapot animals traditionally linked with protection

animals traditionally linked with protection and the wild landscapes of western India

This bleached pine wood console table is crafted by Chinese artisans using wood reclaimed from old pine wood doors

enhancing light and adding contrast to the richly weathered exterior

The painting depicts the emblems of the eight taoist immortals which collectively represent happiness

This beautifully patinated iron-bound chest is from Kutch and dates to the 18th century

Chinese Pith Paper Painting - 19th Century Style - Teapot animals traditionally linked with protectionThis excellent antique Chinese pith painting is painted on pith paper and dates from the 19th century. Pith paintings were painted in China for the European export market which was enjoying a fascination with all things Chinese and Chinoiserie. Pith paper is the spongy cellular tissue in the stem of a small tree called Tetrapanax Papyrifera, native to southwest China. Pith is incredibly fragile and as such, many of these paintings have not survived.