A finely painted hand-colored portrait of a young Chinese woman, depicted seated in a dark robe with a white cloth in hand, wearing delicate earrings and gazing directly at the viewer. The artist’s meticulous brushwork captures the sitter’s expression with remarkable clarity and subtlety. Such images of Chinese sitters are rare in Western collections, as portrait miniatures of the 19th century more commonly depicted European or American subjects. Housed in a period hinged case lined in red velvet with a gilt mat.Dimensions: Panel: approximately 4 x 3in. Case (overall): approximately 4 1/2 x 3 1/2in.Provenance: Estate of Ron Lerch.Pickup & Shipping: Free Sacramento pickup. Shipping via FedEx Ground: $30 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Very good, with vibrant colors and minimal surface wear; light patina to gilt mat.