Title
A Triptych of Three Skeletonized Leaves
Object Type
Creator
Date
19th century
Description
A triptych of three skeletonized leaves (Chinese, 19th century) housed in a plexiglass frame. The leaves are painted with groups of figures framed by garlands. This collection of leaves was brought to the U.S. by Robert Pruyn around 1860, Pruyn served as the Minister to Japan shortly after the opening up of the country. The painted decorations are similar in style to the decorations on the Perry memorabilia Rose Mandarin porcelain.
Practiced as far back as the Ming dynasty, the art of skeletonizing leaves consists of removing the flesh of a leaf without breaking down the vascular structure. This reveals the pure cellulose of the leaf, which while delicate in appearance is a remarkably durable substance which is flexible and doesn’t become brittle.
Practiced as far back as the Ming dynasty, the art of skeletonizing leaves consists of removing the flesh of a leaf without breaking down the vascular structure. This reveals the pure cellulose of the leaf, which while delicate in appearance is a remarkably durable substance which is flexible and doesn’t become brittle.
Cultural Origin
Chinese
Medium
painted leaves
plexiglass frame
Extent
8" x 19"
Collection
Source
Gift of Mrs. Burton Tremaine.
Identifier
PSNC.10163
For more information about this item, please contact its owning institution.