About this sheet
Title
Antique Star Fruit Botanical Chromolithograph by Hoola van Nooten, c. 1880
Description
A magnificent original antique botanical chromolithograph depicting Averrhoa bilimbi L., commonly known as Bilimbi, Cucumber Tree, or Tree Sorrel. Closely related to the famous Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola), Bilimbi is one of Southeast Asia's most distinctive tropical fruit trees, celebrated for its striking clusters of elongated golden-green fruits and its refreshing acidic flavor.
Native to the Indonesian and Malaysian archipelago, Bilimbi has been cultivated throughout Java for centuries. The fruits grow directly from the branches and trunk, creating a highly ornamental display that has made the tree a favorite in tropical gardens. The fruit is widely used in Indonesian, Malaysian and Filipino cuisine, where its sharp acidity is valued in curries, sambals, pickles and preserves.
The composition beautifully illustrates a fruiting branch bearing mature Bilimbi fruits together with detailed botanical studies of the flowers, fruit in section and floral structures. The elegant hanging clusters of ribbed fruit, delicate foliage and scientific detail make this one of the finest and most decorative fruit plates from Berthe Hoola van Nooten's celebrated botanical masterpiece.
The artwork was painted from life on the island of Java by the distinguished Dutch botanical artist Berthe Hoola van Nooten (1817–1892). It was published in her masterpiece, Fleurs, Fruits et Feuillages Choisis de l'Ile de Java, widely regarded as one of the finest nineteenth-century botanical publications devoted to the flora of the Dutch East Indies. Printed in rich chromolithography by P. De Pannemaeker of Ghent, this plate was issued in the third edition published in Brussels by Librairie Européenne C. Muquardt around 1880.
Although often overshadowed by its sweeter relative, the Star Fruit, Bilimbi is one of Indonesia's most characteristic fruit trees and is highly prized by collectors of tropical botanical art. This original antique print combines scientific importance with exceptional decorative appeal.
This is an original antique print, printed circa 1880, and not a modern reproduction or later copy.
Publication:
Fleurs, Fruits et Feuillages Choisis de l'Ile de Java
Printer:
P. De Pannemaeker, Ghent
Circa 1880
Medium:
Original chromolithograph on wove paper.
Good antique condition with age-related toning, occasional foxing and light handling wear consistent with age. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.
Please note that any framed images are for display inspiration only. The print is sold unframed. Framed mock-ups are not always shown to exact scale and are intended solely to illustrate how the artwork may look when displayed.
original antique print, original chromolithograph, botanical print, Averrhoa bilimbi, bilimbi, cucumber tree, tree sorrel, tropical fruit, Indonesian fruit, Southeast Asian flora, Java, Indonesia, Dutch East Indies, Berthe Hoola van Nooten, Victorian botanical illustration, nineteenth century botanical print, antique botanical wall art, natural history print, scientific illustration, P. De Pannemaeker, Muquardt Brussels, museum quality botanical art, rare botanical print, collectible botanical print, circa 1880
This Bilimbi plate is one of the stronger tropical fruit subjects in the series because of its elegant composition, excellent color harmony and strong association with Indonesia. While slightly less universally recognized than Mango, Durian or Papaya, it remains highly desirable among collectors of tropical botanical prints.
