Bird Painting from India on Mica.

Ca. 1845. Reverse painting on mica of a distinctive brown and yellow bird perched on a bough, a landscape with pond in the background.

"Mica is a transparent mineral composed of complex mixtures of potassium silicates and often used in the mid-19th century by Indian artists, typically in standard sets for the colonial tourist market. Mica is formed between strata of granite and the transparency of the material is a result of the heat and pressure created between the layers of rock during formation. Mica consists of many interlocking platelets, resulting in a laminar structure which can be split easily into thin sheets. Mica presents many problems as a support for painting on due to the smooth surface as this provides very little key for the paint to adhere to. Popular subject matter included Hindu gods and goddesses, religious events, trades-people and flora and fauna of the sub-continent." (Victoria and Albert Museum, London).

Approx 4 1/2 by 6 1/2. Mica painting inserted at corners onto paper. Slight chipping to tree trunk at lower right. Very good overall. Item #24463

Price: $225.00