Antique Black Pepper Botanical Print, Piper Nigrum, Hand Colored, c.1831

€ 750

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Date: 1831
Mapmaker / artist: Jonathan Carl Zenker, Germany, 1831–1832
Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring
Sheet size: 27.1 × 22.7 cm (10.7 × 8.9 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-14181-8

What the condition grades mean

Excellent: Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good: Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good: Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair: Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Condition

Moderate age toning with minor spotting. Overall attractive and stable.

About this sheet

Antique Black Pepper Botanical Print, Piper nigrum, Hand Colored, c.1831
This finely composed botanical engraving depicts Piper nigrum, the black pepper plant, one of the most influential spices in global trade history. The plate shows the climbing habit of the plant with carefully rendered leaves and fruit clusters, providing both botanical clarity and decorative appeal.

As part of Zenker’s Merkantilische Waarenkunde, the image documents a commodity that played a decisive role in shaping early modern exploration, colonial expansion, and international commerce. Pepper was a staple of European kitchens and a driver of long-distance trade networks linking Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The original hand coloring is subtle and well judged, with layered greens that give the foliage depth without overwhelming the composition. This plate works exceptionally well as a standalone piece or alongside other spice-related subjects.

Condition report:
Moderate age toning with minor spotting. Overall attractive and stable.

Framing tips:
A warm cream mat and a medium-toned wood frame complement the natural palette of the engraving.