Framed Watercolour Painting of A Musician on Pith Paper - 19th Century Hundi Hanging Lamps These compact sloped lap desks

These compact sloped lap desks were used by wealthy ladies and gentlemen and officers in the military theatres of the 18th and 19th centuries in India

However an attractive harlequin set can be made from different pairs

Dimensions: W9

The original brass locking mechanism and elegantly restrained proportions allow the beautiful timber to take centre stage

with natural wear consistent with age and original architectural use

Framed Watercolour Painting of A Musician on Pith Paper - 19th Century Hundi Hanging Lamps These compact sloped lap desksThis excellent antique Chinese pith painting is painted on pith paper and dates from the 19th century. Pith paintings were painted in China for the European export market which was enjoying a fascination with all things Chinese and Chinoiserie. Here, a musician can be seen wearing traditional Chinese dress, and seated on a stool playing an instrument. Pith paper is the spongy cellular tissue in the stem of a small tree called Tetrapanax Papyrifera,