‘Chinese Market’, Watercolour on paper, signed, Nora Pennett, c. 1920-1930s.

Capture a vivid glimpse of early 20th-century history with this original watercolor painting, titled Chinese Market, by well-traveled artist Nora Pennett. Known for spending twelve years living and traveling throughout China, Pennett specialized in documenting daily life across bustling towns and quiet rural villages. This captivating piece showcases her signature fluid style, utilizing a soft yet expressive palette to bring a lively marketplace scene to life. The composition features figures in traditional attire gathered around a market stall, framed under hanging circular wares, offering a beautiful balance of movement and period detail.

The artwork is pencil-titled “Chinese Market” on the lower left mat and carries the artist’s distinct signature, “Nora Pennett,” on the lower right. Housed in a classic, period-appropriate light wooden frame, this piece is an excellent acquisition for collectors of early modern watercolor, Asian travel art, or unique interwar-period illustrations.

Nora Pennett was an artist active during the early 20th century (particularly the 1920s and 1930s). Historical records indicate that she spent twelve years traveling and living in China, capturing everyday life in busy towns and obscure villages. She later returned to London, where she held a notable solo exhibition of her Chinese watercolor scenes at the Ward Gallery in April 1936.

Dimensions (Artwork):

Width:54.5
Height: 39.5

Condition:

Frame has scuffs and marks, glass is intact, the artwork itself is in good condition for it’s age, though there is a crease line going across the upper section which is probably from when it was framed. The paper-cover does show some marks and dirt.