After Pu Qua. A Porter with Firewood. Costume of China. London, 1799-1894. $395.00

Plate XLII. A Porter with Fire-Wood

This charming hand colored engraving is an illustration from The Costume of China, by G.H. Mason, a beautifully illustrated book containing 60 engravings of various occupations in China.  M.W. Millar published the book in London in [1799]-1804 with engraved plates copied from the work of Pu Qua, an important Cantonese artist. By the late 1700s, Far Eastern trade was well established and all things Oriental were in great demand throughout Europe. Many exquisite objects were created specifically for the western market, including porcelains, furniture, paintings and books. This attractive engraving has its original descriptive accompanying text which was printed in both English and French.

The text describes the strength of Chinese porters who often carried things great distances. Here a porter is carrying wood for fuel which was very scarce in China.

13 1/4 x 9 3/4 inches sheet
Hand-colored copperplate engraving
Very nice condition, save single spot at upper left, full margins and original accompanying text.