Bridge of Chains in China, Suspension Bridge, Antique Engraving, circa 1820

About this sheet

This antique engraving of the Bridge of Chains in China, a chain suspension bridge hung between rocky pinnacles above a waterfall, is an original early nineteenth century London engraving, circa 1815 to 1830. The plate is lettered "Bridge of Chains in China" and has no artist's, engraver's or publisher's name.

The scene shows a narrow bridge carried on iron chains across a deep chasm, with sheer rock spires on either side and a waterfall plunging below. Chinese chain bridges fascinated European writers, who described them as marvels of engineering long before the suspension bridge became familiar in Britain, and the dramatic mountain setting here owes much to the European idea of the Chinese landscape as well as to travellers' accounts.

The plate is in the style of the Kelly plates in this group, and it probably comes from a London geography or collection of travels of the kind sold in weekly parts to a wide readership. Without an imprint the publication cannot be named with confidence, and it is described here as an early nineteenth century London engraving. It pairs naturally with the Road of Pillars in China from the same volume, which shows a similar taste for spectacular Chinese engineering.

The print is an uncoloured line engraving with crisp detail in the rocks and falling water. It is an appealing early view of China for collectors of Asian topography or chinoiserie, and it would look well in a study or hallway, framed with a pale mount and a slim black frame.

The sheet is in good condition for its age, with toning, a few spots in the margins, one small spot in the sky and light soiling; the image is otherwise clean.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed.