Pink Roses Antique Watercolor #2 antique Japanese lacquer yellow and pinkish birds --

yellow and pinkish birds -- one on each side of the vase -- at first seem more like abstract passages than figurative forms

with little wooden hands nailed to the end of the sleeves

Late 19th century I'd guess

and--especially as I'd put these immediately to use serving dips and spreads and olives

all of which I find exquisitely beautiful

Pink Roses Antique Watercolor #2 antique Japanese lacquer yellow and pinkish birds --This is one of three watercolors of roses I purchased together, I believe all found together too, perhaps done at the same time by three different members of a family or maybe more likely schoolmates. I like them individually in different ways, but also together, variations on a theme becoming in a sense portraits of their makers. This one, with very painterly treatment of the pink petals, measures 7 5 8" x 6 1 4". Pencil and watercolor on lined