Chinese Laborers Gambling in Traditional Attire from Wahlen's 1844 Lithographs
€ 180
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1844
Sheet size
25.7 × 17 cm (10.1 × 6.7 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-12722-9
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
Given age. Faintly browned, and with some small stains. Some glue remains (from binding) in the far left margin (not affecting image). General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study the scans.
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.
