PITCAIRN ISLANDS PAINTED LEAF ..

Description

Pitcairn Islands painted Hattie leaf. Approximately 6 1/2"w x 6 1/2"h.
Among the crafts of the Pacific, the rare and delicate art of leaf painting is unique to Pitcairn.
The painted leaf process is time-consuming and requiring considerable skill and care.
Firstly, the leaves are picked green and stored covered in water in an earthenware jar for between 4 and 6 weeks. A stone in the jar helps ensure that they remain submerged.
In what is a smelly process, the leaves are then washed in fresh water with the green slime being patted out from the leaf membranes. Each leaf is then washed with a little soap, rinsed, and placed in a niau basket to dry.
When dry, the leaf which has curled in the drying process is opened out and ironed flat.
The paints used are normally oil based, thinned with a little kerosene for easier application.
When painting, the leaf is held so that the artist's brush can accurately flick paint on to this delicate canvas. The paint soaks right through the leaf.
After drying and after many hours of work, the leaves are frequently mounted on black paper.
Painted leaf designs may include floral designs including roses or hibiscus, fish, butterflies, The Bounty, or an outline of the island.
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