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Framed and on the wall
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Flora and Fauna
Antique Durian Botanical Chromolithograph by Hoola van Nooten, c. 1880
€1,350
$1,510 · £1,130
Original print, not a reproduction
Ships worldwide from the Netherlands, insured and tracked. 14-day returns.
- Date
- 1880
- Sheet size
- 21.9 × 15.7 in (55.5 × 40 cm)
- Condition
- Good. 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.
- Collection
- Flora and Fauna
- Period
- Netherlands Indies, 1850 and after
- Stock no.
- f_51108762
- Color
- Printed color
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.
Title
Antique Durian Botanical Chromolithograph by Hoola van Nooten, c. 1880
Description
A magnificent original antique botanical chromolithograph depicting Durio zibethinus L., commonly known as the Durian or King of Fruits. One of the most celebrated and distinctive tropical fruits in the world, the durian is renowned for its formidable spiny shell, rich custard-like flesh, and unmistakable aroma. Native to Southeast Asia, it has been cultivated for centuries throughout Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, where it remains one of the region's most prized fruits.
The composition illustrates a mature durian fruit suspended from a branch, together with its elegant pendulous flowers, a detailed cross-section revealing the creamy fruit segments, and botanical studies of the flower and seeds. The dramatic combination of the imposing spiny fruit, graceful blossoms and scientific details makes this one of the most iconic and visually impressive plates from Berthe Hoola van Nooten's celebrated publication.
The artwork was painted from life on the island of Java by the distinguished Dutch botanical artist Berthe Hoola van Nooten (1817 to 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.
Often referred to as the "King of Fruits," the durian has become an enduring symbol of Southeast Asian cuisine and culture. Its extraordinary appearance, rarity in antique botanical illustration, and worldwide recognition make this one of the strongest and most collectible fruit subjects from the Hoola van Nooten series.
This is an original antique print, printed circa 1880, and not a modern reproduction or later copy.
Artist:
Berthe Hoola van Nooten (1817 to 1892)
Publication:
Fleurs, Fruits et Feuillages Choisis de l'Ile de Java
Publisher:
Librairie Européenne C. Muquardt, Brussels
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.
The print is sold unframed.
The Durian is among the most iconic and internationally recognizable tropical fruits.
