Ethnography · 19th century
€ 690
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition summary: Very good condition with strong, vivid colours and clean paper. Some minor age-toning and light foxing in the margins but no tears or repairs. Paper remains firm and stable.
Population mixte du sud du Yun-Nan – Mixed Ethnic Groups of Yunnan c.1873
This antique print depicts a vibrant gathering of mixed ethnic groups from Yunnan province in southwestern China. The scene shows men and women wearing distinctive traditional costumes, including turbans, layered robes, striped skirts, and embroidered jackets. Several women carry babies on their backs, while others engage in conversation or observe the central group. The variety of headgear, jewellery, and woven textiles illustrates the cultural diversity of Yunnan’s many minority communities, such as the Yi, Hani, Dai, and Miao peoples. On the right, seated figures are shown with baskets of produce, highlighting trade and market activities typical of rural life in this region.
This chromolithograph was published between 1873 and 1875 in ‘Voyage d'exploration en Indo-Chine effectué pendant les années 1866, 1867 et 1868 par une Commission Française’ by Francis Garnier. Garnier was a French naval officer and explorer who sought to establish a trade route up the Mekong River into China to advance French colonial expansion and counter British influence in Southeast Asia. His expedition produced one of the most beautifully illustrated works on Indo-China, combining ethnographic, geographical, and botanical documentation.
The technique used is chromolithography, which involved layering multiple lithographic stones inked with different colours to produce vibrant, true-to-life images. This method allowed the artist to capture costume details, textile patterns, and facial expressions with remarkable clarity and realism, serving as invaluable records of the people encountered during the expedition.
Condition summary: Very good condition with strong, vivid colours and clean paper. Some minor age-toning and light foxing in the margins but no tears or repairs. Paper remains firm and stable.
Framing tips: A warm cream or muted tan mount will complement the earth tones of the costumes. For framing, consider dark teak, walnut, or a black frame with a slim gold inner line to enhance its museum-quality presence. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the delicate pigments.
