About this sheet
Chinese Imperial Throne and Ceremonial Regalia, Antique Hand-Colored Print 1815
This elegant early 19th-century hand-colored engraving presents a rare and detailed view of imperial Chinese court regalia, combining a ceremonial throne interior with emblematic objects of authority. The upper register depicts a formal throne setting, arranged with strict symmetry and decorative panels, conveying the visual language of power, hierarchy, and ritual within the imperial court. Below, carefully rendered ceremonial objects—including a sceptre-like staff and richly ornamented accessories—underscore the symbolic foundations of rule and governance.
The print was published in 1815 as part of Jules Ferrario’s influential series Le Costume Ancien et Moderne, produced in Milan. Ferrario’s ambitious work sought to document not only dress but also the environments, objects, and structures that defined authority across cultures. In this plate, the focus shifts from costume to regalia, emphasizing how power was expressed through interior space, furniture, and ceremonial instruments in imperial China.
Executed as a copper engraving and finished with original hand coloring, the image combines precise line work with a restrained yet decorative palette. The vertical format allows the throne setting to read as an interior vignette, while the lower section provides a closer, almost catalog-like view of the objects themselves. This dual presentation makes the print both visually engaging and intellectually rich, appealing to collectors of Asian art, court culture, and historical interiors.
As with other plates from this Milan edition, the sheet bears the original embossed blind stamp associated with *Le Costume Ancien et Moderne*. This dry stamp was applied at the time of publication and serves as an important indicator of authenticity. As issued, the embossing may lightly overlap the image area.
The print is offered unframed.
Condition report:
Good antique condition. Light overall age toning with scattered foxing, mainly confined to the margins. Image remains clean and well preserved with strong original hand coloring. Plate mark visible. Original publisher’s blind stamp present. Minor edge wear consistent with age.
Framing tips:
This vertical composition benefits from a generous ivory or parchment-toned mat to highlight the detailed imagery. A dark wood, black lacquer, or softly antiqued gilt frame will enhance the ceremonial character and suit both classical and contemporary interiors.
Technique: Hand-colored copper engraving
Maker: Jules Ferrario, Milan, 1815
