About this sheet
Street in Nanjing (Nanking), China — Architectural View with Banners, Ferrario 1815
This finely hand-colored copperplate engraving presents an atmospheric street view of Nanjing (historically known as Nanking), one of China’s most important historic capitals. The scene depicts a lively urban environment characterized by traditional houses and storefronts decorated with white tiles and whitewashed surfaces, creating a distinctive visual rhythm along the street. Tall ceremonial flagpoles and banners punctuate the composition, adding vertical drama and emphasizing the ceremonial or civic character of the setting. Animated figures dressed in traditional attire enliven the scene, offering insight into everyday life as imagined through early nineteenth-century European visual culture.
The engraving originates from Giulio Ferrario’s monumental publication *Il Costume Antico e Moderno di Tutti i Popoli del Mondo*, published in Italy in 1815. Ferrario’s ambitious encyclopedic project sought to document the customs, architecture, and cultures of the world, combining ethnographic interest with decorative artistic presentation. Engraved with precision and delicately enhanced by contemporary hand coloring, the image reflects the European fascination with China during the late Enlightenment and early nineteenth century, when travel accounts and missionary reports fueled demand for detailed visual representations of distant cultures.
Architecturally, the composition emphasizes linear perspective and spatial depth, guiding the viewer through a receding street framed by traditional rooflines and façades. The contrast between shaded buildings and illuminated surfaces contributes to a sense of atmosphere, while the banners and poles create strong compositional structure. This balance between documentary detail and decorative elegance makes the engraving both historically engaging and visually striking.
Today, such views hold particular appeal for collectors of Asian-themed works, chinoiserie decoration, architectural prints, and early ethnographic imagery. The horizontal format lends itself well to interior design applications, especially in sophisticated modern or luxury environments where historical Asian imagery adds depth and narrative. Presented within a Jakarta/Kempinski-style interior, the engraving works beautifully as a refined focal artwork, pairing cultural authenticity with timeless decorative charm.
Condition: Very good antique condition consistent with age. Light overall toning to margins, minor spotting, and gentle handling wear visible. Plate mark present. Original embossed blind stamp visible as issued. Hand coloring remains clear and well preserved.
Framing tips: Best displayed in a dark walnut, ebonized, or deep bronze-toned frame with a generous ivory or warm off-white mat to enhance contrast and highlight the subtle color palette. Museum glass recommended to protect the hand coloring while maintaining clarity under ambient lighting.
Technique: Hand-colored copperplate engraving
Maker: Giulio Ferrario (after), engraved for Il Costume Antico e Moderno, Italy, 1815
