Beschreibung:

CHINESE WATERCOLORS – An album of 635 miniature watercolors on pith paper. China, c.1870. A fine and extensive collection of Chinese watercolors, in a near contemporary Russian album. This album contains an unusually diverse assortment of vivid watercolors produced for the Chinese export market—not just the usual trades and costumes but also landscapes; botanical images; insects, birds, fish, and other animals; and decorative arts. While the Chinese export industry is often thought to be principally aimed at European consumers via the East India Companies, Russia was also a key market for Chinese material. The National Library of Russia holds a major collection of such watercolors on pith paper, primarily acquired in the nineteenth century. Not simply China’s close neighbor, Russia sent many scientists and explorers into China during this period, part of efforts to explore both the Pacific ocean and the potential riches of Central China. The NLR collection was formed in this way—with major contributions by Zakhar Fedorovich Leontievsky, a sinologist based in Beijing's Russian Orthodox mission. A member of the Kruzenstern expedition brought back an album very similar to this one to Empress Elizabeth Alexeievna, also now in the NLR. Folio album (367 x 317mm). 635 miniature watercolors (82 x 46mm) on pith paper, 12 to a page in 27 leaves of card mounts, pp. 1-30 with gold-printed captions in Russian (a few watercolors smeared, one mount empty). Turn-of-the-century Russian black roan with silk endpapers, edges gilt (some wear to boards). Provenance : Ursus Rare Books.