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.

Beautiful large woodcarving of a Rooster. Japan, early 20th Century.

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.”