Love Birds in Basket with Flowering Vines, 1804 Watercolor in Antique Lemon Gold Frame carved wooden spiked comb collage on board

collage on board

I haven't come across any Ballantine cans since

and about 1/4 of an inch thick

and by the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) had become one of its most appreciated art forms

as it has remained pretty much in tact while the the plum ground is pretty threadbare

Love Birds in Basket with Flowering Vines, 1804 Watercolor in Antique Lemon Gold Frame carved wooden spiked comb collage on boardThe back of this charming watercolor is dated, in graphite, 1804 which of course I forgot to photograph when I had it out of the frame, but it is easy to open and see. A sign of spring arriving 222 years ago! I can't resist a watercolor like this, and love the way both the straw of the nest and the weave of the rich yellow basket were invested with a great deal of attention. And then these love birds themselves, full of life and also quite relatable,