Original Chinese Watercolor of Fruit or Seed on Branch

This remarkable, one-of-a-kind watercolor is from a collection entitled Dessins Originaux Chinois.. The watercolor was done in the 1800s in Canton and is mounted to a larger sheet.

The watercolors were clearly completed by very skilled hands. The collection included illustrations of flowers, natural history, customs, punishments, and naval scenes. There appears to have been some Indian influence in the style of illustration as well as subjects including a depiction of the mango, native to India.

The work had two bookplates: one from Henry Rogers Broughton and the second from Winifred Bois. Broughton (1900-1973) amassed one of the most important collections of botanical art in the world. Winifred Bois (1875-1966) collected Chinese school watercolors and travelled extensively in the Far East. Her family held a prominent place among the merchants of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) from the 1860s.

Paper Size ~ 15 3/4" by 21"; Image Size ~ 12? by 15 3/4"
Condition Report: The work is in very good to excellent condition. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.