Chinese Laborers Gambling in Traditional Attire from Wahlen's 1844 Lithographs

About this sheet

This hand-colored lithograph titled *Types chinois* (Chinese Types) showcases a group of Chinese laborers engaged in an argument over gambling.

It is part of Auguste Wahlen’s *"Moeurs, Usages et Costumes de tous les Peuples de Monde"* (Customs, Manners, and Dress of All the Peoples of the World), published in 1844.

The print captures a scene with five men in traditional attire, some wearing wide-brimmed hats and holding tools such as hoes and axes. This lithograph was produced using hand-coloring techniques on vellum paper, enhanced with Arabic gum to bring out the vibrant colors.

Notable Features:
- Laborers: The men are dressed in practical clothing suitable for labor, including wide-legged pants, loose-fitting tops, and straw hats to protect from the sun.
- Cultural Scene: This print reflects everyday life in rural China, depicting a moment of rest or discussion among workers, highlighting the camaraderie of daily labor.
- Tools: The presence of farming and building tools indicates that the scene is set in an agricultural or construction environment, offering a glimpse into traditional Chinese labor practices.

Attractiveness:
The lithograph’s attractiveness stems from its dynamic composition, with figures interacting in a moment of rest, offering a relatable and humanizing scene from 19th-century China. The vibrant colors and the fine detailing of the tools, clothing, and facial expressions provide an immersive look into rural Chinese life.

Keywords for Searching:
Search terms like "Chinese laborers lithograph," "Wahlen 1844 Chinese types print," "hand-colored lithography," "traditional Chinese workers," and "19th-century rural Chinese life" help locate similar prints that depict daily life and cultural scenes from this era.