Anon. (Squash flower) In: Dessins Originaux Chinois, Canton c. 1800. Framed $3,850.00

 Pumpkin or Squash Flower

Original botanical watercolor was included in a portfolio titled Dessins Originaux Chinois, painted in Canton in 1800.  
Chinese export watercolors were painted in the port cities of China for sale to western customers in the late 18th and 19th centuries during the height of the China Trade era. Originally brought home as souvenirs by merchants and sea captains, these handsome watercolor paintings soon became commodities in their own right.   This large-scale botanical study was a hybrid of Indo-Chinese influences, perhaps produced by the “Company School” a group of Chinese artists working for British patrons.  The botanical watercolors are painted in clean bright tones, and meticulously described each flower or plant.

The portfolio belonged to Winifred Bois (1875-1966) whose family were merchants in Ceylon and an avid collector of Chinese school watercolors. She travelled extensively through the Far East.

Original watercolor mounted to a larger sheet.
15 5/8 x 12 inches sheet, 21 x 16 inches mounted sheet.
Archivally framed.
Excellent condition.