Ch. Delob (XX) - Japonisme

1. The Subject and the Zeitgeist
The painting shows a young child (probably a girl) with a striking large black bow in the hair, dressed in a colorful kimono. She is leaning against or behind a wooden (garden) bench.
This specific theme fits perfectly with Japonisme, a movement that from the end of the 19th century into the deep 1920s was very popular in Europe. It was at the time a big fashion among the middle and upper classes to dress children in traditional Japanese garments for portraits or photos, because people found it exotic and artistic.

2. Signature and Dating
In the detail photos the signature on the bottom right is clearly legible:
The maker: It reads "Ch. Delob" (possibly an abbreviation for a name such as Delobel or Delobbe). This very likely points to a French or Belgian artist.
The year: Beneath it the year 1924 is clearly written. Stylistically this matches perfectly with the clothing, the hairstyle and the mood of the work.

3. Material and Condition
Technique: It is an oil painting, presumably painted on a wooden panel, which at the time was common for smaller portrait studies.
Condition: The painting has a beautiful, authentic aged texture (slight craquelure and small spots/damage in the paint), which contributes to the historical charm.
The frame: The wooden frame with the wavy indentations (kannelures) is typical of the early 20th century (Art Deco period) and appears to be the original frame.
It is a very intimate and time-bound little artwork that provides a nice insight into the fashion and art-admiration of the "roaring twenties"!