Vibrant Handcolored Depictions of Japanese Costumes from 1844
€ 560
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-12722-67, etc
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
Vibrant Depictions of 19th Century Japanese Costumes from Auguste Wahlen’s Masterpiece
These prints depict various figures from Japanese society, ranging from a humble fisherman's family to a nobleman, a ceremonial samurai, and infantry musicians.
Each figure is intricately dressed in traditional attire, reflecting their status and roles.
The prints were created by the artist Auguste Wahlen as part of his celebrated work "Moeurs, Usages et Costumes de tous les Peuples de Monde" (Customs, Manners, and Dress of All the Peoples of the World), published in 1843.
The vibrant colors and fine detailing were achieved using lithography, a printmaking technique that involves drawing on a flat surface with a grease-based medium and using a chemical process to transfer the image. The accuracy of the costumes and lively scenes make these lithographs especially appealing. The contrast between the vivid costumes and soft shading adds depth, capturing the essence of Japanese life during this period.
Attraction of the Prints:
The appeal lies in their historic and ethnographic value, showcasing detailed attire and customs from another era, accompanied by the richness of the lithography technique. The vibrant colors, clean lines, and the representation of both nobility and common folk offer viewers a rich visual experience, portraying a distant culture with authenticity and grace.
