Piper Species, 1800s, Paper

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Antique Long & Cubeb Pepper Botanical Print, Piper Species, c.1831 : This botanical engraving presents a comparative study of lesser-known … Read more Antique Long & Cubeb Pepper Botanical Print, Piper Species, c.1831 : This botanical engraving presents a comparative study of lesser-known pepper species, including Piper longum and Piper cubeba. Unlike the more familiar black pepper, these varieties were valued for their medicinal properties and specialized culinary uses, making them important yet niche commodities in early trade. Issued in Zenker’s Merkantilische Waarenkunde, the plate reflects the period’s growing interest in distinguishing closely related commercial plants. The composition is analytical in nature, emphasizing botanical structure rather than decorative flourish, and appeals particularly to collectors and scholars of spice history. Original hand coloring is restrained and precise, supporting the scientific clarity of the illustration. This is a plate best appreciated for its intellectual and historical significance rather than overt ornament. Condition report: Moderate toning with light discoloration. No tears or losses. Framing tips: A neutral mat with a slightly wider margin reinforces the comparative character of the study. A darker frame adds visual weight. Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring Maker: Jonathan Carl Zenker, Germany, 1831–1832 See less