Chinese Vegetable Boy.: Original Nineteenth Century Watercolor of Chinese Tradesman

British Isles:, c. 1820.. Fine condition. A scarce and charming original early nineteenth century watercolor painting on wove paper. (7 x 7.25 inches, 177 x 186 mm.) The painting has been tipped onto ecru wove album paper of the period, as was the custom, yet the watercolors remain vibrant and rich. Although the origin of this lovely painting is unknown, a refined and experienced hand clearly created this detailed and elegant composition. A young boy balances two hanging trays filled with with leafy vegetables. His vibrant costume mirrors the verdant stock of his offering. The details are fine; both the tones and shading display the painter's astute understanding of composition and perspective. The artist no doubt was an armchair or "parlor" watercolorist, likely an aristocratic gentlewoman or man who sought inspiration from the vast array of published volumes, complete with engraved plates, of the trades, and costumes of the then exotic regions of the globe. The trades and costumes of China were well documented by the turn of the nineteenth century, thus the inspiration seems apparent.  Archivally framed in double Ivory French matting with 1" neo-classical gilt moulding, glazed with Conservation Glass. Sized to 17 1/2 x 20 inches.