Featured chinese musician painting

hi folks

this was the painting i found today along with the cups

painting measure 7 1/8 inches

looks to be quite old, 19th ?

not sure what its painted on, looking up close with a loupe its looks quite fibrous, so maybe silk ?

behind glass so doesn't look as good in pics

any thoughts appreciated

 

Charming and quite well done. I think that a bit better than usual,so wait for others input.

 

I can't figure out how that item works as a musical instrument. Looks more like a bow for arrows?

 

Yup...a hunting or warring weapon.

A quiver (empty, apparently) hangs from his belt...

Really odd posture of the right hand...

 

Good point bakers

 

Yeah, I thought the same about the hand, but it kind of works in a weird way

 

I think that’s the case for the bow? The hat is interesting, it’s hard to tell if its like this one.

 

It does look to me like a bow, as in bow-and-arrow, and that would be my guess - a warrior, not a musician. But there is a bow-like musical instrument; hold it against one's cheek or mouth so the mouth acts as a resonator, then pluck the string. More South American or African than Chinese, I think.

 

Brilliant info thanks house, hat does look similar

 

It looks like it is painted on pith. Search on the forum for "pith painting" and you will find other examples and links.

 

Note the similarity of the two quivers.

 

I thought pith as well when I saw it, but looks a bit different close up, suppose it could still be pith though

 

Yes, it is.

It seems to be.

 

Hmm. Doesn't really look woven, either. Maybe a coating (ground) applied with a brush?

 

Like a Jaw Harp.