The History of the Art The antique Art of skeletonizing leaves
was understood and practised by the Chinese during the Ming
Dynasty. There are a couple old books that were published in the
Victorian "hay day" of leaf skeletonizing. First was published
in Philadelphia (1863) by Edward Parrish, a noted pharmacist
living in Philadelphia PA. The book is entitled "Phantom
Bouquet" it is a rare book but can sometimes be found at old
book stores. The second was published in Boston a year later in
1864. It is an entitled: "Phantom Flowers and Skeleton Leaves".
It proclaims a treatise on the Art of producing skeleton leaves.
It is also a rare book and can sometimes be found. It has been
reprinted by the Canadian Museum of Nature and can be read
online here. It is very entertaining and at times very prophetic
I will post some excerpts for your delight! I recommend clicking
each photo (left to right) for chronological order.