Ancient Western Asia and Persia Costume Plates by Max Tilke, c.1900

Set of 4 Antique Near Eastern Costume Plates by Max Tilke, c.1900

This fine set of four antique plates presents an elegant and historically accurate overview of ancient Near Eastern dress and culture. Created by the noted ethnographic artist and costume historian Max Tilke and published by Ernst Wasmuth A.-G., Berlin, around 1900, the group includes plates depicting the Hebrews, Western Asia in both colour and monochrome, and Persia. Together they form a coherent visual study of ancient civilisations known from archaeological discoveries across the Near East.

The plate of the Hebrews shows priests, elders, and figures in ceremonial garments, with detailed robes, headdresses, and symbolic textiles that reflect the clothing styles described in Biblical and early Near Eastern sources. The figures are rendered with characteristic Tilke clarity, making the plate appealing to collectors of Judaica and ancient history.

The colour plate of Western Asia is richly chromolithographed and depicts a variety of ethnic groups, warriors, dignitaries, and travellers wearing patterned robes, sashes, weapons, and regional headdresses. The warm palette echoes the colours preserved in surviving wall paintings and architectural fragments.

The monochrome companion plate illustrates additional figures, decorative motifs, relief carvings, and characteristic hairstyles, items of dress, and weaponry from Assyria, Anatolia, the Levant, and related regions. It serves as a useful visual glossary of cultural details.

The Persia plate portrays noble figures, guards, and ceremonial attendants inspired by archaeological reliefs from Persepolis and other major Persian sites. Tall headdresses, patterned robes, and distinctive courtly garments identify the plate immediately as belonging to the Achaemenid tradition.

As a complete four-plate group, the set provides a balanced and decorative representation of Near Eastern material culture. These plates are ideal for framing together in a 2×2 grid or arranged individually in a study, library, office, or gallery interior. Their combination of scholarly value and strong visual appeal makes them equally suitable for collectors of ancient history and interior designers seeking refined, historically grounded artwork.

Condition report:

Good condition overall. Light age toning and occasional small foxing spots in the margins, typical for Wasmuth publications. Image areas clean with strong lines and colour. No tears affecting the printed scenes. Suitable for immediate framing.

Framing tips:

These four plates frame beautifully as a matching set. For a modern interior, use slim black frames with warm ivory mats. For a classical look, antique-gold frames complement the tones of the colour plate. A 2×2 grid creates a strong, museum-style presentation. Clean, matching borders enhance the scholarly character of the set.

Technique: Lithograph and chromolithograph

Maker: Max Tilke, Ernst Wasmuth A.-G., Berlin, c.1900