Persimmons and Custard Apples - Boym c.1656

Boym’s Persimmons and Custard Apples (c. 1656) Title: Page 23 de la Relation de la Chine (Botanical Study of Chinese Fruits) Author/Artist: Michael Boym (Jesuit Missionary) Origin: Published in Paris / Vienna Date: c. 1656 Technique: Copperplate engraving with vibrant hand-colouring The Narrative: A Jesuit’s Botanical Revelation This print represents a landmark moment in the cross-cultural exchange between East and West. Michael Boym, a Polish Jesuit missionary, was the first European to scientifically document the flora of the Far East. This specific plate illustrates the Persimmon (top) and the Custard Apple or Sugar Apple (bottom), introducing these exotic species to a European audience that had never seen, let alone tasted, them. The artwork is famous for its unique blend of European scientific illustration and Chinese calligraphic influence. It features the names of the plants in Chinese characters, accompanied by transliterations and Latin descriptions, making it one of the earliest examples of a multilingual botanical guide. Chronicles of the Print • The Persimmon Study: At the top, the engraving captures the fruit at various stages of growth, including a cross-section of the leaf and the distinctively shaped calyx of the fruit. • The Custard Apple: The lower half showcases the scaled exterior of the fruit and a detailed internal cross-section, revealing the segmented pulp that fascinated 17th-century botanists. • Cultural Fusion: The inclusion of Chinese characters alongside Latin text reflects the Jesuit mission's goal of understanding and bridging the gap between European science and Chinese tradition. • Hand-Coloured Artistry: The rich greens and deep earthy oranges of the fruits are beautifully preserved, highlighting the texture of the bark and the waxy surface of the leaves.