Greek, African, European Pond and Hinge-back Tortoises, Exquisite Early 19th Century Watercolor hand carved wooden bird Quite likely a love token

Quite likely a love token (love spoon)

It reminds me of passed notes in grade school (i

Approx 3/8" x 5/16"

With wonderful details enhancing the mise-en-scene

What a pretty and fun little one it is though

Greek, African, European Pond and Hinge-back Tortoises, Exquisite Early 19th Century Watercolor hand carved wooden bird Quite likely a love tokenI 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