By Anne Gilbert
Enquirer contributor

Surprisingly, one of the most affordable art categories is Chinese paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries. They range from a few hundred dollars to almost $3,000.

As Americans traveled to China in the late 19th and early 20th century, they brought back what they thought were old paintings. Especially popular were ancestral portraits.

Showing up at auctions more often today are the so-called "rice paper" paintings. Throughout the last part of the 19th century they were exported in huge quantities and sold in America.

Other examples are pages from religious books, combining deities with Chinese calligraphy. During the Boxer Rebellion (1900), when homes were looted, these religious books (Siutras) were brought back to America by servicemen. Elaborate examples with gold ink illustrations of deities can sell for thousands today.

Paintings from the early Chinese dynasties are in museums and private collections. Nevertheless, there are plenty of ancestor portraits around. These often were done by commercial artists, using photos of the deceased, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The artist would dress the "ancestor" in a Mandarin costume. As they became popular in America, artists created versions for export.

Prints also flood the market, with details accented with hand painting. The largest, unsigned, can sell for $3,000 or more.

"Rice paper" paintings originally were made into albums, with four or more paintings on a page. The albums were in different sizes, 7 by 5 inches to 8 by 12 inches. They were made with water colors and gouache on pitch paper, made from the papyrus plant.

Since the art was quite fragile, examples may not be in good condition. However, the paintings have retained their vibrant colors.

Originally sold for a few dollars to tourists, a complete album can sell today at auction for $600 or more.

The albums, covered in brocade, were works of art, too. Gold pheasants, flowers and fruit were depicted.

Q&A

This is part of my recently inherited 10-piece dining room set. It was purchased in the 1920s and was made in Sheboygan, Wis., by Northern Furniture Co. What can you tell me about its value and style?

It shows elements of Sheraton (Federal) style. Such sets can sell for $1,500 and up in shops.

Contact Anne Gilbert by mail: c/o Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202. Photos cannot be returned.