Laurus Cinnamomum and Cassia, 1800s, Paper

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Antique Cinnamon Botanical Print, Laurus Cinnamomum & cassia, c.1831 This important botanical engraving depicts two principal cinnamon-producing trees, Laurus cinnamomum … Read more Antique Cinnamon Botanical Print, Laurus Cinnamomum & cassia, c.1831 This important botanical engraving depicts two principal cinnamon-producing trees, Laurus cinnamomum and Laurus cassia, presented together to illustrate their botanical distinctions and commercial relevance. The plate includes foliage, branching structure, and bark sections, clearly communicating how the prized spice was identified and processed. Issued in Jonathan Carl Zenker’s Merkantilische Waarenkunde, the image belongs to a systematic survey of plants fundamental to global trade. Cinnamon ranked among the most valuable spices of the period, traded extensively from South and Southeast Asia to European markets and closely associated with colonial commerce. Original hand coloring is applied with restraint, emphasizing the natural greens of the foliage and the warm tones of the bark. The composition is both informative and visually strong, making this plate one of the most desirable spice subjects in the series. Condition report: Moderate age-related toning with minor surface marks. No losses or tears. Framing tips: A soft ivory or parchment-colored mat paired with a dark wood frame enhances the richness and authority of the subject. Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring Maker: Jonathan Carl Zenker, Germany, 1831–1832 See less