Pith paper is a fragile natural material cut from the pith of a shrub native to southern China. It served as a primary surface for portable watercolours made for foreign visitors. The material accepts gouache and watercolour with unusual brilliance, giving these paintings their distinctive velvet-like appearance.

How do I date Imari porcelain?

Imari porcelain spans several centuries, with distinct shifts in body weight, glaze purity, and iron-red tones. Eighteenth-century examples generally show heavier potting and deeper cobalt blues. Later pieces from the Meiji period tend to feature brighter, denser enamel applications and more complex gilded borders.

Where were export paintings made?

These works were produced in coastal trading hubs such as Canton in China and Yokohama or Arita in Japan. Workshops in these centres catered specifically to Western merchants. Artists adapted traditional Eastern techniques to suit European tastes in domestic decoration and collecting.

How should I care for pith paper paintings?

Pith paper is extremely fragile and reacts poorly to fluctuations in humidity and direct sunlight. These works require professional framing behind UV-filtering glass. Keep them away from heat sources and avoid touching the surface, as the material easily cracks or bruises under pressure.