China: Qing Court Officials & Armored Guard, Antique Hand-Colored Print Pair 1815
This striking pair of original early-19th-century hand-colored prints presents two complementary views of imperial authority in China: a formal group of court officials (with a richly robed central figure and attendant holding a ceremonial fan), and an armored guard posed before a fortress tower with soldiers and standards in the background. The images balance portrait-like costume detail with narrative context, making them especially decorative as a coordinated two-piece wall set.
Issued in 1815 from Jules Ferrario’s celebrated costume and ethnographic publication Le Costume Ancien et Moderne, these plates reflect Europe’s fascination with Asian court culture at the height of the Empire/Regency period. The palette is restrained yet vivid—jade greens, soft greys, and imperial yellows—designed to read beautifully from a distance while still rewarding close viewing with fine costume patterning, accessories, and military equipment. Together, they create a clean “power and pageantry” theme without repeating the same scene, ideal for an interior designer looking for harmony across a pair.
These are original antiques (not reproductions) and are offered unframed, allowing you to select framing that best suits your interior.
Condition report: Good antique condition. Mild overall toning and light scattered foxing/spotting, mainly in the margins. Embossed collector’s stamp visible. Plate mark visible. Minor edge wear consistent with age.
Framing tips: For a Jakarta / Kempinski-style look: pair both in dark walnut or matte black frames with generous ivory mats to emphasise the refined colors and the wide margins. A slightly deeper frame profile elevates the “gallery” feel; consider museum glass to keep the pale washes crisp. Hanging as a tight diptych with equal spacing creates a strong, tailored rhythm.
Technique: Hand-colored copper engraving (published plate) Maker: Jules Ferrario, Milan, 1815
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