About this sheet
Original Antique Botanical Chromolithograph of Chinese Sterculia, c. 1880
A magnificent original antique botanical chromolithograph depicting Sterculia nobilis, commonly known as the Chinese Sterculia. One of the most spectacular tropical ornamental trees, this rare Southeast Asian species is celebrated for its extraordinary scarlet seed pods, which split open to reveal glossy blue-black seeds, creating one of nature's most striking botanical displays.
Native to Indonesia, Malaysia, southern China and neighboring regions, the Chinese Sterculia belongs to the mallow family (Malvaceae). It has long been cultivated as an ornamental tree throughout the tropics for its unusual fruits, elegant foliage and architectural form. The dramatic contrast between the vivid crimson pods and lustrous dark seeds has made it a favorite among botanists, horticulturists and collectors of exotic plants.
This exceptional plate illustrates both the flowering and fruiting stages of the tree together with detailed botanical studies, demonstrating the remarkable scientific precision and artistic refinement that characterize Berthe Hoola van Nooten's work.
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 celebrated 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.
Today, Sterculia nobilis remains one of the most distinctive tropical trees grown in botanical gardens throughout Asia. Its remarkable seed pods make this one of the most decorative and visually memorable prints from Hoola van Nooten's celebrated series.
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
Medium:
Original chromolithograph on wove paper.
Condition:
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.
