(Bookseller) After Pu Qua. Costume of China. London, [1799-1804] - 1821. Framed SOLD

Plate VI "A Bookseller"

This charming hand colored engraving is an illustration from The Costume of China, “correct drawings of the Chinese in their respective habits and occupations, the itinerant mechanics and handicraftsmen in particular,” by the Englishman G.H. Mason. 
Each hand-colored engraved plate was drawn from life by the Cantonese artist Pu-Qùa and stipple-engraved by John Dadley. The engraving is accompanied by a description of the subject’s occupation and details of dress, written by George Mason in both English and French.

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. The popularity of these exotic costume books created a demand for successive reprints. The engraving, although dated 1799, is printed on watermarked Whatman paper dated 1821 and 1823. A charming and handsomely hand colored engraving with its original descriptive accompanying text printed in both English and French.

Copperplate stipple engraving with full original hand color.
14  x 10 inches sheet.
Excellent original condition with accompanying text.