Hand painted gold leaf fireworks label (China c.1900)

13 x 8.5 inches. Printed label and "Made in China" stamp on the back. Tidy repair to the upper left corner. Incredibly fragile. The painting is protected with mylar but may continue to experience some flaking during shipment, but will be packed with as much care and support as possible. 

This style of Chinese firework label was produced between 1850 and 1910 in the Canton region of Kwangtung province. From the February 1981 Arts of Asia magazine: "Many were painted in the city of Fatshan long noted for the manufacture of religious prints, papercuts and charms used in holiday celebrations. During these celebrations it was common to hang boxes of fireworks across the narrow streets and explode the entire string from a single fuse. As a result, very few of these labels remain today" (John H. Enns). The large size of this example makes it especially rare.