Six of the watercolors from the c.1733 portfolio represent the continent of Asia, with all of the species found in Southeast Asia: modern-day India, Thailand, and China referred to in the 18th century as the East Indies. European explorers had long investigated this region of the world for luxurious textiles, exotic spices, and highly sought after Chinese-export porcelains.
The Silver Pheasants, known to George Edwards as “Black and White Chinese Pheasants,” appear in Volume One of A Natural History of Uncommon Birds with the cock and hen appearing in one plate. John Drayton’s portfolio contains individual watercolors of both the male and female forms. Edwards states,
“These curious Birds were kept many Years by Sir Hans Sloane at his House in London, where they hatched young ones, and brought them to Maturity… these Birds being the Property of my good Patron, whose House I frequented, and had Opportunity often to repair my Draughts, by strictly examining them in their minute Parts, not only while they were living, but after they were dead.”
Silver Pheasant
George Edwards England, 1733
Watercolor on paper
Lenhardt Collection of
George Edwards
Watercolors at Drayton Hall
The colorful Common Kingfisher (Small Blue Kingfisher) also appeared in Volume One identified as “The little Indian Kingfisher.” Edwards says of these birds of which two appear in one plate,
“There came with one of these Birds from India a King-fisher, altogether like ours in England, both from Bigness, Shape, and Colour. Mr. Peter Colinson obliged me with the upper Bird, and Mr. Dandridge with the lower. They came from Bengal in the East Indies.”
Common Kingfisher (Small Blue Kingfisher)
George Edwards England, 1733
Watercolor on paper
Lenhardt Collection of
George Edwards
Watercolors at Drayton Hall
The tiny pair of female and male Red Avadavat are not found in any of Edwards’ volumes and were previously misidentified as Fire Finches. They are a species of finch found in India with striking red feathers and covered with tiny white spots.
Red Avadavat
George Edwards England, 1733
Watercolor on paper
Lenhardt Collection of George Edwards
Watercolors at Drayton Hall
This is part of a special online exhibit titled, Flights of Fancy: An Exploration of Uncommon Birds. To view more please visit:
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