This is an unsual one, and a beautiful one, and a fun one--from the days when riddles were high entertainment, including among high society. All done by hand--those green wreaths were very finely watercolored, and all the text is black ink--it is titled " The Enigmatical Desert [sic] or Fruits," dedicated at the bottom "to Young Housekeepers", with the text inside each wreath posing a riddle, the solution to which is the name of a fruit, revealed on the reverse side. So, for example, "married folks" = "pears." Clever throughout, and encouraging one to become familiar with less than common terms now, such as "filberts" (hazlenuts), "greengage" (a variety of plums), "Tokay" (grapes), and "Hautboys" (a tall growing strawberry.") Second quarter 19th century I believe, sold as found, in a roughly period frame, with glass on both sides. To my sensibilities, completely charming--and the perfect thing to bring to the dinner party table during the fruit course! (Ideally served on French rebus plates!)
Framed, under glass, as found - period frame: 13" x 10". Sight 8 1/4" x 5 1/4". Beautiful condition. One small, old loss to the interior right edge on frame.
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