Chinese Imperial Procession & Military Parade, Antique Hand-Colored Prints, 1815

Chinese Imperial Procession & Military Parade, Antique Hand-Colored Prints 1815

Description:

This impressive pair of early 19th-century hand-colored engravings depicts ceremonial and military life within imperial China, shown through two richly detailed horizontal scenes. One plate presents a high-ranking imperial figure seated beneath a ceremonial parasol and carried in procession by attendants dressed in yellow court robes, a color reserved for the highest levels of authority. The second plate illustrates a formal military parade, with soldiers, standard bearers, musicians, and mounted figures arranged in orderly ranks, emphasizing discipline, hierarchy, and ritual display.

Both prints originate from Jules Ferrario’s monumental publication Le Costume Ancien et Moderne, issued in Milan in 1815. Ferrario’s work aimed to document the customs, governance, and visual culture of societies around the world, and these Chinese scenes reflect European fascination with imperial ceremony and military order during the late Qing period. The compositions are animated yet balanced, with careful attention to costume, insignia, weaponry, and movement.

The original hand coloring remains fresh and expressive, with strong yellows, greens, reds, and muted earth tones creating visual rhythm across the two scenes. As a pair, the prints read naturally together, sharing scale, orientation, and narrative continuity. Hung side by side, they form a compelling horizontal sequence that works particularly well above furniture, in corridors, or as a focal point in a refined interior.

Both prints are original antiques (not reproductions) and are offered unframed, allowing for custom presentation.

Condition report:

Good antique condition. Light overall age toning with scattered foxing and spotting, mainly in the margins. Embossed collector’s or publisher’s blind stamp visible. Plate marks visible. Minor edge wear consistent with age and handling.

Framing tips:

These horizontal scenes benefit from generous ivory or light parchment mats to balance the wide margins. Dark walnut, black, or softly antiqued gilt frames suit both traditional and contemporary interiors. Hanging the two prints as a matched diptych with even spacing emphasizes their narrative flow and ceremonial character.

Technique: Hand-colored copper engraving

Maker: Jules Ferrario, Milan, 1815