"A Lantern Painter"

This charming hand-colored engraving was an illustration to The Costume of China, by G.H. Mason.  The volume consisted of 60 engravings with descriptions in both English and French of the various occupations in China.  Published in London by M.W. Millar in [1799]-1804, the engraved plates were copied from the work of Pu Qua, an important Cantonese artist.  By the late 1700s Far Eastern Trade was exceptionally strong and all things Oriental were in great demand throughout Europe.  A prodigious amount of exquisite objects were created specifically for the western market, including porcelains, furniture, paintings and books.  This attractive engraving has its original descriptive accompanying text.

13 1/4 x 9 3/4 inches sheet.
Hand-colored copperplate engraving.
Excellent original condition.