Pair of exquisite paintings on delicate pith paper, also known as rice paper, which was made from thin sheets of the evergreen shurb Tetrapanax papyriferum, the “rice-paper plant.” The style and subject matter are typical of export paintings made for export to a Western market or for foreign visitors to Canton’s markets during the late Qing dynasty in the early to mid 19th century. Attractively framed in a red velvet surround.

18th Century handcolored engraving by George Edwards, the “Father of Ornithology.”

18th Century hand colored engraving by the “Father of Ornithology,” George Edwards.

From A Natural History of Uncommon Birds (1743-1751) by George Edwards, adapted after the original by Mark Catesby. This beautiful 18th Century engraving shows the largeleaf geigertree (Cordia sebestena) and a bird described as “the Italian Runner.”

Great Horned Owl

Handcolored plate from “Gleanings of Natural History” originally published in 1758-1764 and from “A Natural History of Uncommon Birds” published between 1743 and 1751.
Attractively framed in a vintage gilt frame.
George Edwards was one of the greatest British bird artists. He often worked from live birds in nature or in captivity in London (at [...]