Chinese Emperor Costume Plate, Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1854
€ 230
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1854
Mapmaker / artist
European School, Dutch, 19th century
Technique
Hand-colored lithograph
Sheet size
26.3 × 17 cm (10.4 × 6.7 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14288-5
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Condition is good, with mild age-related toning and some faint spotting in the margins, consistent with its age. The sheet remains structurally sound with generous margins.
About this sheet
This striking 19th-century hand-colored print depicts a seated Chinese emperor in full ceremonial attire, richly adorned with symbolic motifs and imperial regalia. The figure is shown enthroned on an elaborate seat with stylized lion-head armrests, emphasizing authority and power. His robe, rendered in deep blue tones with intricate embroidery, reflects the traditional iconography associated with Qing dynasty court dress, including rank insignia and auspicious patterns. The delicate hand-coloring enhances the visual impact, bringing life to the fine lithographic lines.
The caption below, in Dutch (“De Keyzer van China”), suggests the print originates from a European publication illustrating global costumes or rulers, likely intended for an educational or decorative audience. Such prints were popular in the 19th century, offering Western viewers a stylized glimpse into distant cultures.
Special note: This is an original antique engraving, not a reproduction. The print is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Condition is good, with mild age-related toning and some faint spotting in the margins, consistent with its age. The sheet remains structurally sound with generous margins.
Framing tip: A dark wood or black frame with a warm off-white mat will complement the rich colors and enhance the central composition.
