Ethnography · 19th century
€ 360
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
The print is in an almost excellent condition with vibrant hand-coloring, minor foxing on the margins, and sharp details, typical for its age.
Exquisite Hand-Colored Lithograph of Japanese Decorative Art, Plate II, 1882-1884
This striking hand-colored lithograph, Plate II from George Ashdown Audsley's masterpiece "The Ornamental Arts of Japan" (1882-1884), highlights the sophisticated beauty of Japanese design. The composition features a meticulously detailed vase adorned with intricate dragon and deity motifs, along with elegant arrangements of lotus flowers, chrysanthemums, and other natural elements, all set against a warm, textured background that emphasizes the vibrant colors and intricate artistry.
Published in London by Sampson Low, this work is an extraordinary example of chromolithography, a 19th-century printing technique that captures vivid detail and color through the layering of individual inks. Audsley's work remains a landmark in Victorian admiration for Japanese culture and design, showcasing the perfect harmony of nature and decorative art.
The condition of the print is very good, with richly preserved colors and finely detailed features. Only minor foxing is present, typical of works of this age. This lithograph is a rare and highly collectible piece, ideal for framing and display in any setting.
Other plates from "The Ornamental Arts of Japan" that may also be available:
- Plate 1: Fruit and Bird Composition
- Plate 3: Japanese Fans with Gold and Lacquer Designs
- Plate 4: Crane Amidst Plum Blossoms
- Plate 5: Peony and Butterfly Scene
- Plate 6: Carp Swimming Among Waves
- Plate 7: Cherry Blossoms with Maple Leaves
- Plate 8: Dragon and Phoenix Motifs
- Plate 9: Lotus and Dragonfly Composition
- Plate 10: Traditional Japanese Lantern Design
This piece captures the timeless elegance and craftsmanship of Japanese-inspired art, making it a perfect addition to any collection of decorative or antique prints. This print comes with a text page describing the incrusted-work in more details.
This work appears to be a chromolithograph, based on the following observations:
- Color Use: The intricate, vivid, and layered coloration of the piece suggests the chromolithographic process. Chromolithography involves using multiple stones or plates, each inked with a different color, to create rich, detailed, and vibrant images.
- Publisher: The names mentioned, such as Sampson Low & Co. and Imprimerie Lemercier & Cie (a famous French printing firm), are closely associated with chromolithography in the 19th century.
- Style: The botanical and naturalistic theme with attention to fine detail and texture was a hallmark of chromolithographs during the Victorian era.
A heliograph would not have been able to achieve this level of color or detail, as it is more closely tied to monochromatic or early photographic methods. Similarly, while a plain lithograph could produce detailed images, it would not show the rich, layered colors present here without the chromolithographic technique.
