Chinese Sensitive Leaf
np: nd [c. late 19th century]. 6 x 9" broadside, printed in English with Chinese letters at left margin. Complete with both original sensitive leaves, each printed on thin glassine paper hand-painted with red pigment. Lacking the original envelope.
Sensitive leaves were a fortune-telling device by which the temperament of a subject could be ascertained when the glassine leaf was placed into the palm of a hand, and the degree and manner in which it curled or was otherwise animated. The division of personality was based upon the humors, revealing a sanguine, choleric, phlegmatic, or melancholy disposition. This particular version is attributed to one Yang-Hou, of Kiagnen, China, and is one of several which were attributed to a Chinese source, sometimes with racist caricatures such as the second of the two leaves.
Both leaves fine. The broadside has several old fold lines, with a couple small holes at folds and a small bit missing at one tip, else very good. Item #29798
Price: $450.00