Chinese Tibetan Figure Costume Print, Hand-Colored Ethnographic Engraving, 1854

Chinese Tibetan Figure Costume Print, Hand-Colored Ethnographic Engraving, 1854

This attractive antique hand-colored costume print depicts a Tibetan figure in traditional dress, rendered in a refined 19th-century European ethnographic style. The figure stands confidently holding a long staff, dressed in flowing robes highlighted in rich golden yellow, deep cobalt blue, and soft rose tones. Beneath the image appears the title “Tibetaner,” identifying the subject as a Tibetan inhabitant, reflecting the fascination with Asian cultures found in European costume books and travel publications of the period.

The print combines strong decorative qualities with historical and cultural interest. The elegant simplicity of the composition allows the costume itself to dominate the scene, emphasizing the draped garments, layered textiles, and distinctive footwear associated with traditional Tibetan attire. Fine engraved linework and delicate hand-coloring create depth and texture, while the large untouched margins give the sheet an especially refined and collectible appearance.

During the 19th century, European publishers produced extensive illustrated works documenting peoples, costumes, and customs from around the world. Tibet, still largely mysterious to Western audiences at the time, became a subject of great curiosity, and prints such as this offered collectors and scholars a rare visual glimpse into the region’s cultural identity. Today these prints are appreciated for their artistic charm, ethnographic significance, and highly decorative presentation.

This is an original antique engraving, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The print is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.

Condition: Good antique condition with age-related toning and occasional faint spotting to the margins. Strong original hand-coloring. Large margins preserved.

Framing tips: Beautifully suited to a dark walnut or black lacquer frame with a wide ivory museum mat. Particularly effective displayed alongside other Asian costume or ethnographic engravings as part of a curated gallery wall.

Technique: Hand-colored engraving

Maker: European School, Dutch, 19th century