Potter & Potter Auctions
Live Auction

The Ricky Jay Collection Part III

Sat, Aug 17, 2024 12:00PM EDT
Lot 203

[FORTUNE TELLING]. The Chinese Sensitive Leaf, Discovered b...

Estimate: $200 - $300

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
[FORTUNE TELLING]. The Chinese Sensitive Leaf, Discovered by a celebrated Physician and eminent Professor of Botany and Chemistry, named Zaphrintra, of China, Afterwards introduced into other parts of the Continent, and into England, by a very Learned and Sensible Foreigner. [Boston]: ca. 1820s-30s. Broadside advertising the leaf whose ?sympathetic properties?discloses the disposition of the Gentleman or Lady on whose hand it is placed.? The broadside continues to describe how a leaf will appear when held by a Choleric Person, Sanguine Person, Reserved Melancholy Person, and Phlegmatic Person. 9 ? x 5 ??. Foxing and light staining overall; small losses at original folds.