Greek, African, European Pond and Hinge-back Tortoises, Exquisite Early 19th Century Watercolor hand carved wooden bird Approx 3/8" x 5/16"

Approx 3/8" x 5/16"

I just love how deeply contemplative these three fluffy cats look

with each of those arms (like spokes) made up of a dowel threaded with a series of turned bits that hold a second dowel--the bobbin holder--in place

lending some shimmer

who was also instructor the Museum School for the Worcester Art Museum

Greek, African, European Pond and Hinge-back Tortoises, Exquisite Early 19th Century Watercolor hand carved wooden bird Approx 3/8" x 5/16"I went back to my source in Germany to scoop up another handful of these gorgeous c. 1840s zoological watercolors, having sold the last several I had quickly. This is not a hand colored engraving, it is an original, gorgeously executed ink and watercolor drawing, and my photos do it no justice; the color and detail on those shells is just glorious! Whether made in advance of, or after, an engraving for a zoological volume I am not certain whatever the