IDENTIFIERS ----------- id: 23114 accession number: PD.272-1973 DATE AUDIT ---------- created: Saturday 6 August 2011 updated: Thursday 28 August 2025 DESCRIPTIVE DATA ---------------- object type: This is a Chinese export watercolour depicting a species of Ipomoea. There are two open flowers with five petals in a soft lavender hue and yellow stamens at their centers. The plant has heart-shaped leaves in varying shades of green, with some showing reddish-brown edges or tips. Thin, spiral tendrils extend from various points along the stems, demonstrating the climbing nature of the plant. The stems are depicted in a light green color and wind gracefully through the composition, creating a sense of natural growth and movement. Several unopened flower buds are placed along the stems, painted in a lighter shade of purple. In early 19th century, Chinese botanical illustrations were often commissioned by European botanists, naturalists, and wealthy collectors who were eager to document and understand Asian flora. Chinese artists, working primarily in watercolours, adapted their traditional painting techniques to meet European demands for scientific accuracy while maintaining their distinctive artistic style. These illustrations became important resources for European botanical studies, contributing significantly to the documentation and understanding of Asian plant species in the West. These works now serve as valuable records of both botanical history and cross-cultural artistic exchange during a period of increasing global connection. Previously described as " creeping plant with flowers". title: drawing LICENSING --------- text license status: CC0 image license status: CC-BY-NC-SA OWNERSHIP --------- instutition: The Fitzwilliam Museum department: Paintings, Drawings and Prints collection: Broughton Collection STABLE URL ---------- url: https://data.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/id/object/23114 SUBJECTS ------------------- plant plant TECHNIQUES ---------- bodycolour on paper watercolour CATEGORIES ------ category: drawing DATING ------ culture: 19th Century CREATORS -------- maker: Canton workshop