Paper.
Paper.. Good. 19.5 by 14 cm. 12 leaves, including cover, with 20 original paintings (or 20 pages with paintings, as in a few instances, the two facing pages might be interpreted as a single painting). Most of the images are of provincial sorts, and the artist is at times mocking their simplicity and blockheadedness. The style, called Miao, arose in the 18th century and gained popularity among nobles and gentry. One can see in most of the images that the characters have broad features that are not associated with Han Chinese, and the figures are often underdressed, perhaps to suggest an uncouthness. The paintings here have a crudity about them, but also, great zest and color. Chinese calligraphy on the cover and the first page. Otherwise, no text. Dog-earing to the corners. General wear.
(Inventory #: 004981)