While our images are electronically watermarked, the antique prints themselves are not.

Strychnos potatorum CMD5 $275
Each print measures approximately 18 inches by 23 inches.

The story of Plants of the Coast of Coromandel, 1795, is typical of the Age of Exploration, when men risked life and limb in the pursuit of exotic species in far flung corners of the earth. This spectacular work represents some of the finest botanical illustration of Southeast Indian Plants ever done. Financed by the East India Company, the oldest and arguably most powerful of the European trade companies, it was published over a period of 25 years.

Many of the original drawings and species collection were by John Gerard Koening, a pupil of the renowned Linnaeus and a physician, who originally sailed to India under the auspices of the King of Denmark. An energetic and enthusiastic traveler, but without any financial resources, he was financed by the Nabob of Arcot, prior to securing funding from the East India Company.

Koenig pursued his passion without regards to his health and succumbed to “distemper” on June 26th 1785.

On his deathbed, he secured his drawings with the help of his friend William Roxburg, MD with the specification that they be sent to Sir Joseph Banks. Dr Roxburgh, who was also engaged in the cultivation of indigo and peppers, continued the work, which was finally published by Sir Joseph Banks. Roxburgh went on to become the Inspector of the Botanical garden in Calcutta.

Banks, one of the most important explorers and botanists of the age, selected from over 500 drawings for the first volume, from which we offer prints. When completed, there were 300 plants illustrated.

It was a lavish and costly publication, rarely seen on the market today. Each page measures approximately 18 by 23 inches on superb quality, silky, watermarked 1794 Whatman paper. The original hand colouring is very fresh and the paper a soft creamy colour, with only a very occasional small fox mark. Each plate bears a “JS” signature in pencil in the lower left corner & it is speculated that this may be the signature of Sir James Edward Smith a peer of Roxburgh, validating the plate as botanically correct according to the original drawing.

We accept credit cards & PayPal. Washington state residents pay Washington state sales tax. Shipping for this item is $15. Items can be combined to save on postage. Our environment is smoke free. We pack professionally using only new materials. All items are beautifully wrapped and suitable for sending directly as gifts. You may return any item within 7 days if not satisfied. To order, you may call us at 1-888-PANTEEK, fax or email.