Butterfly Bright
Mass-produced commercial offset lithographic print on paper mounted to a textured board. • James Lung (or Liang); published by Arthur A. Kaplan Co., Inc., NYC.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Chinoiserie / Decorative Asian-Inspired Floral. It is a commercial adaptation of traditional Chinese 'Bird-and-Flower' painting (Huaniao-hua).
Medium & Technique
Mechanical offset lithography. The print mimics a watercolor or ink wash technique and features a printed texture intended to simulate woven fabric or canvas.
Creation Period
1987 (As indicated by the copyright date on the margin).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches or 16 x 20 inches including margins; Vertical (Portrait) format.
Subject Description
A soft, atmospheric composition featuring delicate pink flowers, pale green foliage, and two stylized butterflies (one yellow, one multi-colored). The work includes a printed faux-signature and red seal stamp on the left-center to enhance its traditional aesthetic.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. There is visible yellowing/toning of the paper margins and light surface scuffing characteristic of vintage commercial decorative prints.
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 – $30.00 USD. Value is based on its status as a mass-produced decorative home accessory.
Auction Estimate
$5.00 – $15.00 USD (Often sold in bulk lots or at local estate sales).
Provenance History
Published by Arthur A. Kaplan Co., Inc. (catalog number LT-8413). This company was a major distributor of decorative wall art for furniture stores and department stores in the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Negligible in fine art circles. It represents the 1980s trend of affordable, mass-market interior design prints that utilized traditional Asian motifs to fit 'shabby chic' or 'traditional' home decor palettes.
Notable Features
Includes full publisher credits in the margin: '© 1987 ARTHUR A. KAPLAN CO., INC. N.Y.C. LT-8413' and the title 'BUTTERFLY BRIGHT by James Lung'.
Condition Issues
Age-related yellowing (acidification) of the paper, minor warping of the board, and light staining on the white borders. The colors appear slightly faded compared to original production.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading. Professional conservation is not financially recommended as the cost exceeds the market value; however, using archival matting and UV-protective glass would preserve it.