Antique Durian Botanical Chromolithograph by Hoola van Nooten, c. 1880

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

Date:

Circa 1880

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.

Keywords

original antique print, original chromolithograph, botanical print, Durio zibethinus, durian, King of Fruits, tropical fruit, exotic fruit, Southeast Asian fruit, Indonesian botanical art, Java, Indonesia, Dutch East Indies, Berthe Hoola van Nooten, Victorian botanical illustration, nineteenth century botanical print, antique botanical wall art, natural history print, scientific illustration, P. De Pannemaeker, Muquardt Brussels, museum quality botanical art, rare botanical print, collectible botanical print, circa 1880

The Durian is among the most iconic and internationally recognizable tropical fruits. Its dramatic appearance, cultural significance, and exceptional decorative impact place it in the very top tier of the Hoola van Nooten series, alongside Cacao and Buddha's Hand Citron.