Antique Turmeric Botanical Print, Curcuma Longa, Hand Colored, c.1831

€ 825

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-14181-30

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-related toning and light surface marks. No losses or tears.

About this sheet

Antique Turmeric Botanical Print, Curcuma Longa, Hand Colored, c.1831
This vibrant botanical engraving depicts Curcuma Longa, the turmeric plant, including its distinctive rhizomes. Turmeric was valued both as a culinary spice and for its medicinal properties, making it an important commodity in Asian and global trade.

The plate comes from Zenker’s Merkantilische Waarenkunde and illustrates the intersection of botany, medicine, and commerce. The emphasis on the underground root structure highlights the practical knowledge required for harvesting and processing the spice.

Original hand coloring brings warmth and visual impact to the image, with rich yellow-orange tones contrasting against the green foliage. This plate performs especially well in contemporary interiors due to its strong color and modern relevance.

Condition report:
Moderate age-related toning and light surface marks. No losses or tears.

Framing tips:
A neutral cream mat paired with a dark wood or black frame intensifies the color contrast and visual strength.