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This is the second time I've tried to post this message. I don't know if it was ever received so here's my second try. These illustrations were left to me by my parents who I believe, from writing left on the envelope in which they're kept, were given to them by my grandparents. They're very small (about 2" tall) but very intricate. As you can see from Image #2, the artist reverse painted specific parts of the image area in opaque white. This makes those parts of the images even more vibrant. They were done on rice paper and are very delicate. This, apparently, has led to damage and I'm not sure how to handle that either. (I'm not familiar with the medium).

Any help identifying the artist, period, type of art, how to restore, (or if they're worth restoring), would be much appreciated.

Al or Jay or whoever you are, your images not post because character "#" in file name; rename files with only letter - numeral characters and they should post.

Good luck,
Cal

Sorry. The images apparently didn't download. Here they are. As I said, any help identifying them, the artist, etc., would by very much appreciated.

Al

Al, the only two images that downloaded appear to be Chinese gouache paintings on pith (rice paper). Stylewise, they might be 19th century, but pith is fragile, so tends to look older for its cracks, and early 20th century artists could emulate their predecessors quite well in this genre. Some schools of related art are recognizable by their style, such as the one associated with Englishman George Chinnery and his Chinese students. However, unsigned works like yours shown here are probably too "mainstream" to be pinned down easily to their painters. Here's an example of the Chinnery School in what I gather is a copy of a work by him or one of his students.
Regards,
Bill H.

Dear Bill:

Thank you for the insight. Have you a suggestion where I might authenticate, or at least rule out, the provenance of these illustrations? As I said, all I have is handwriting on the outside of an envelope; "Jap. Keep". I have no knowledge on this subject, (frankly, not even enough to make me dangerous)so I'd really like to discern if they have some intrinsic value and are worth saving before they waste away.

By the way, there are only two illustrations...that's all that was in the envelope.

Again, thank you for your help.

I believe these are Hong Kong made paintings from the mid to late 19th century.
These kind of paintings were very popular with the English and were produced in large quantity for the british market.
They don't have a great $$$ value, but are typical of the period and don't deserve to find their way to the rubbish bin, they are collectable.
Have a nice day.

I'm not certain there's any reliable way to authenticate the paintings except to take it for granted that they are typical stylistically of late 19th-early 20th century China trade paintings, which often showed everyday activities and people.

I've included a URL that'll get you to a listing with similar paintings at trocadero.com. The trocadero home has a search feature that you can use to find other trade paintings, and perhaps piece together some appreciation of what yours are all about.

Just keep in mind that even though a lot of this art is presented as 19th century, it ain't necessarily so. Here's a trade painting of the ascension of the young Xuantong Emperor (1909-11). When I replaced its original rickety frame, I found the back stuffed with pages from a 1933 Chinese newspaper. Considering the good condition of the pith, I tend to believe the painting was new when first framed.

Good luck,

Bill H.



URL Title :ChinaTradeArt

Again, thank you Bill. This (minimum) 12 hour delay makes it difficult to respond but I hope you get this note.

Jay

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