Anglo-Chinese Botanical and Entomological Watercolour Circa 1815-1820

Unit price: €4,450
8 framed watercolours currently available for sale, plus 8 others unframed.

A Group of Anglo-Chinese Botanical and Entomological Watercolours
In the manner of Win Achun, Canton, circa 1815–20
Watercolour and gouache on English paper
Framed size: Height 47.5 cm?|?Width 55 cm?|?Depth 5 cm
Framed in ebonised deep tray frames, floated on museum board

A remarkable group of early 19th-century botanical and insect studies, painted in Canton for the export market around 1815. Executed in watercolour and gouache on English paper, the works follow the tradition of Win Achun – an artist celebrated for his natural history watercolours produced for European patrons.

The quality here is truly exceptional.

Commissioned by British merchants and officials, these studies were part of a wider scientific and economic intrigue. Sent back to Europe for study, they documented exotic flora and fauna in a pre-photographic age.

Eight are now presented framed for exhibition, with a further eight available unframed on request.

Priced individually, please enquire for more images of the unframed examples.