[ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOL]. "CALYCANTHUS" AND "PRUNUS": A PAIR OF ORIGINAL WATERCOLORS

Two original watercolors, Original water-colour on Whatman wove paper, titled in both English, and Chinese characters, [N.P., N.D., but circa 1794]. Painted bamboo frames with silk mats with gold bevels. each sheet: 445 x 349 mm  17 1/2 x 13 3/4 

These watercolor are derived from a well-established tradition of Chinese artists, working in and around the coastal trading ports, producing work for Western patrons, particularly the members of the East India and Dutch East India Companies. While meeting Western demands for botanical accuracy, the present drawings embody a distinctly Chinese feeling and tradition for design and delicacy, which almost brings the plants to life. The insects (and particularly the butterflies) are used to heighten what are already pleasing compositions.