A Chinese Canister Maker: 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. (8.25 x 7.75 inches, 209 x 196 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. Seated on a small wooden block, a Chinese Canister Maker solders circular sheets of tin with melted lead creating the vessels for tea and other dry goods. On the foreground two iron skillets holding lead are melting over open makeshift flames. Assorted tools of the forger's trade surround the craftsman. 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 inches square.