Rare Mid-Century Brazilian Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing Art

Rare Mid-Century Brazilian Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing Art – Casa Charles, Rio de Janeiro – Original Label & Exceptional Provenance

CHECK OUT MY OTHER ADVERTS FOR MORE QUALITY ART, ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES!

An exceptional and increasingly scarce mid-century Brazilian butterfly wing artwork, retaining its original Casa Charles retailer’s label from Avenida Rio Branco 11, Rio de Janeiro.

Unlike the vast majority of surviving butterfly wing pictures, this example can be linked to a specific historic retailer through its original label, contemporary newspaper reports and surviving Brazilian company records.

The Artwork

This beautiful tropical landscape has been created using the naturally iridescent wings of Blue Morpho butterflies, producing a stunning shimmering effect that changes as the light moves across the surface.

The artwork remains housed in its original Brazilian rosewood frame with its original leather-backed construction and original gold foil Casa Charles retailer’s label. The auction house also described it as a vintage Brazilian rosewood butterfly wing picture. invoice_G060826_1130_35.pdf

Approximate size: 27 × 21 cm (including frame). invoice_G060826_1130_35.pdf

A Remarkable History

Research has established that Casa Charles was the public trading name of Curiosidades Pelfurs Ltda., an established luxury curio retailer operating from Avenida Rio Branco 11, one of Rio de Janeiro’s most prestigious commercial streets and close to the city’s international passenger docks.

The shop specialised in premium Brazilian decorative arts, natural curios and luxury souvenirs for both Brazilian and international visitors.

Its history was far from ordinary.

In January 1950, newspaper reports recorded a major burglary at the premises in which merchandise valued at 40,000 Cruzeiros was stolen. The crime was reported to police by Ernest Ludwig, one of the company’s partners. per116408_1950_02585.pdf

Nearly twenty years later, on 14 January 1969, during a period of political unrest and urban guerrilla violence in Brazil, four men travelling in a blue Volkswagen threw a homemade bomb at the entrance of Curiosidades Charles, Avenida Rio Branco 11, causing material damage before fleeing the scene.

Later Brazilian corporate records identify Casa Charles as the registered trading name (Nome Fantasia) of Curiosidades Pelfurs Ltda., which continued trading until its voluntary liquidation in 1980.

Why This Piece Is Special

Most Brazilian butterfly wing pictures survive with little or no documented history.

This example is different.

It retains its original retailer’s label and can be linked to a named Rio de Janeiro retailer with a documented history spanning decades. The combination of original label, identifiable retailer, surviving historical records and quality presentation makes this a particularly desirable example for collectors of Brazilian decorative arts, vintage travel memorabilia and mid-century design.

Condition

Very good vintage condition for its age.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

Collection / Postage

Collection welcome, or postage can be arranged at the buyer’s expense.

A rare opportunity to acquire an authentic piece of Brazilian mid-century decorative art with original Casa Charles retailer’s label, documented historical provenance and a fascinating story from the golden age of international travel to Rio de Janeiro.