A Suite of Eight Chinese Export Paintings of Junks and Vessels 19th century

On pith paper, each presented in modern wood frames with silk mounts. (8).

(H: 14, W: 18 in. (frame))

Provenance

The Charles J. McManus Jr. Collection.
Thence by descent.

Charles J. McManus Jr. (1922-2011) was noted interior designer and a passionate collector of antiques with a particular interest in the unusual and unexpected. As an interior designer, McManus worked on several important commissions in his birthplace of Philadelphia, including the Philadelphia Club and the Racquet Club of Philadelphia. He acquired pieces for his own collection during his extensive travels throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean, where he owned a former sugar plantation in Antigua. His style of entertainment was widely admired as he hosted elaborate parties in his home, the former French Consulate in Philadelphia. The New York Times Magazine detailed one such cocktail party, and McManus described his goal for his collection as: “creating a mood, a feeling of warmth and otherworldliness,” for others to enjoy.

Pith paper with some tears or creases (especially around edges), with scattered foxing/discoloration, some with possible insect damage/abrasions. One with notable stains to rice paper. Some of the grime present to glass. Frames overall in good condition, some minor scratches and wear.