Japanese Ben Cao (1929) - Page 1

A decorative botanical illustration set upon a light brown or olive-toned textured book cloth. The illustration depicts a branch featuring pinnate leaves and clusters of berries. The pointed, serrated leaflets are rendered in deep red and black ink. Several clusters of circular berries are executed in gold foil; each gold disc is textured with a pattern of fine stippling. In the upper right corner, a large, flowing decorative motif in gold foil appears with organic, cloud-like or floral contours. The design reflects the decorative Arts and Crafts or Art Nouveau aesthetics prevalent in early twentieth-century book design.