This is a pair of Chinese paintings on silk of prunus blossom, parakeets and asian paradise flycatcher birds. All these elements have hidden symbolic meanings. Prunus (cherry) is one of the three friends of winter as it flowers before the leaves form and is a symbol of long life. Asian paradise flycatcher birds are identified by their greatly elongated tail feathers and are known as the coloured ribbon bird. They are highly regarded and appear on rank badges and symbolise long lived or enduring generations. The parakeet is looked upon as warning to women to be faithful to their husband. The parakeet with its vivid colours is occasionally used as decoration on porcelain of the flowery export style known as Famille Rose.

Each painting with decorative woven borders measures 24”x12” (61x30 cm) and the image 18¾”x8” (46x20 cm), these dimensions are approximate. These paintings are in perfect condition and are unmounted and unframed. They are part of the extensive stock of paintings that are being sold from an art supplier who is wanting to retire. Do look at all the other lots.

What is a Chinese painting on silk? This is a traditional fully boned watercolour painting on a thin silk. Fully boned means it is drawn in outline first and then coloured in (there are boneless paintings that are much more freely painted). In oriental paintings you cannot be considered an original artist until you can paint like their old masters. This means that designs can be repeated, but with only limited numbers, yet they are all hand painted which meets the western comment of being an “original” painting. Once the painting has been finished the silk is glued to a handmade paper backing, some are borderless, but most have a decorative woven strip border. Being hand produced with natural materials, there may be an odd mark or minor blemish that may not show For mounting and framing it can be treated just like any paper print. It is not wise to have it bonded to a carrier board, but hinge mounted to the board like a watercolour or limited edition print.

The paintings will be packed in a postal tube within 2 days as the stock is a 20 minute drive from my home. They will be sent free of charge within the UK by Hermes on a 3 day service and will be insured. A signature on delivery will be required. Shipment can be made abroad via the eBay Global Shipping Service.

If you make multiple purchases of paintings at the same time, please pay for all items. If they can be packed together, any savings will be refunded to your PayPal account. So do look at my other listings.