Antique Rice Botanical Print, Oryza Sativa, Hand Colored, c.1831
Description: This original botanical engraving depicts Oryza Sativa, the rice plant, shown in a clear and balanced composition emphasizing both growth habit and essential botanical characteristics. Rice was, and remains, one of the most important staple crops in the world, underpinning the economies and daily sustenance of vast regions across Asia and beyond.
The plate originates from Jonathan Carl Zenker’s Merkantilische Waarenkunde, an early 19th-century work devoted to plants of commercial significance. Unlike purely decorative florilegia, Zenker’s publication focused on crops that shaped global trade, colonial administration, and agricultural policy. Rice occupies a central position within this context as a cornerstone of international food supply and commerce.
The engraving is enhanced with original hand coloring, applied in restrained green tones that articulate the slender leaves and panicles without overpowering the composition. The overall effect is calm and understated, making this plate particularly suitable for contemporary interiors where subtle botanical imagery is preferred.
Condition report: Moderate age-related toning with light surface soiling. No tears or losses. Image remains crisp and well defined.
Framing tips: A soft off-white or pale grey mat paired with a light oak or natural wood frame complements the quiet elegance of the subject.
Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring Maker: Jonathan Carl Zenker, Germany, 1831–1832
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