New Zealand Botanical Hand-Colored Lithograph Set with Miro & Kawakawa, 1890

New Zealand Botanical Study, Hand-Colored Lithograph Set with Miro & Kawakawa, 1890

This charming trio of hand-colored lithographs comes from the rare 1890 New Zealand publication New Zealand Berries, a visual and botanical exploration of the country’s native flora. Rich in cultural and ecological significance, each plant is carefully rendered and labelled, complete with handwritten notes about its botanical characteristics and habitat. This set includes Podocarpus ferruginea (Miro), Piper excelsum (Kawakawa), and the illustrated title page, making it a visually cohesive and collectible ensemble.

The first plate depicts Podocarpus ferruginea, known as Miro, a tall evergreen tree of the podocarp family. The lithograph shows the fine, feather-like foliage and clusters of deep red berries set against a pale ground. These plum-like fruits were traditionally gathered and consumed by Māori and remain an important part of native forest ecosystems. The artist captures both the distinctive leaf structure and fruit form with botanical accuracy and artistic finesse.

The second image illustrates Piper excelsum, commonly called Kawakawa, a highly valued plant in Māori medicine. Known for its heart-shaped leaves and yellow-orange fruiting spikes, Kawakawa is one of the most iconic New Zealand native shrubs. The illustration focuses on the drooping branches, marked leaves, and cylindrical fruit, highlighting both its aesthetic charm and its medicinal importance. Māori traditionally used the plant for digestive and anti-inflammatory remedies, and it is still used today in herbal preparations.

The third image is the decorative title page of the New Zealand Berries collection, showing red and green berries entwined around an artist’s palette bearing the title in ornate Victorian script. The page is signed “E. C. Harris” and gives credit to the original publisher, H. D. Jackson of Nelson, New Zealand. It serves both as an artistic preface and an anchor for the botanical series.

Each print in this set was originally created as a lithograph and then finished by hand with watercolors, offering rich color variation and elegant detail. The combination of scientific information and aesthetic appeal makes this set a treasured piece for collectors of botanical art and New Zealand heritage.

Condition: Good condition. Minor toning and occasional foxing visible throughout, primarily in margins. No tears or repairs. Strong impressions and stable colors with some age-related patina. Paper remains firm and intact.

Framing tips: These prints pair well with light wooden frames or gold-toned frames for a more classic look. Use cream or soft sage-green mounts to highlight the leaf tones and berry colors. Displayed together, this set makes a refined and naturalistic wall composition.

Technique: Hand-colored lithograph

Maker: E. C. Harris, New Zealand, 1890