1882 Antique Japanese Botanical With Bird Chromolithograph, Matted

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This is a RARE prestigous antique chromolithograph that dates to 1882. It is one of 3 images we recently purchased … Read more This is a RARE prestigous antique chromolithograph that dates to 1882. It is one of 3 images we recently purchased from a European collector. (See others in our shop.) It originally came from a collector's folio, Ornamental Art of Japan, by George Ashdow Audsley. The folio was a three volume collection of works published in London in 1882. It was a "grand work" of handcolored plates with textual description of paintings, textiles, encrusted works, embroidery, cloisonne, lacquerwork etc. Japanese art was virtually unknown to the Western world untill the mid-19th century. This collective work gave birth to a passion for Japanese design and culture. The Japanese aesthetics became known to a world wide audience, were embraced by the European market, and became an integral part of the Decorative Arts as we know them today.

This image was described as "Harmony in Nature." A single bird is perched on a plant's stem amidst floral and decorative foliage. It is an elaborate rendering set aginst a rich dark brick colored, textural background. The fanlike curled foliage, the highlighted plumage on the perched bird, and the detail and intracacies of the plant are impressive decorative qualities. The layering of colors in the chromolithographic process creates a depth of color and beautiful quality. The image is an exquisite and dramatic piece of artistry. This chromolithographic is in pristine condition. It measures 11.5 x 16 inches in size. It comes in a neutral tone 16 x 20 inch custom mat ready for a standard size frame. Please allow time for custom matting. See less