Posted By: Bill H
Posted Date: Nov 26, 2010 (01:00 AM)
Despite the title of 'Japanese Performers', this is a Chinese 'gouache' painting on 'pith'. Gouache is a painting medium similar to tempera with gum arabic added for durability, while pith is a kind of rice paper made in China. I believe this picture probably would be described as by someone of the 'Southern School'.
Portfolios of paintings like this were sold in China to foreigners visiting the country or living in various cantonments there during the 19th and early 20th century. Elsewhere at the same time such works were sold at international expositions or world fairs. Here's an example of a Northern School painting by Beijing artist Zhou Peichun, whose portfolios were for sale at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri in the USA.
Judging from the costuming, I believe there's a chance your painting might have been mislabeled at some point by someone unfamiliar with its origins. However, the reference to 'Japanese Performers' made me wonder if it could have been painted on the spot at an international exposition where Chinese painters would have had a chance to paint Japanese Performers from real life.
Best regards.
Bill H.
- Bill H - Nov 27, 2010 (12:59 AM)