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Japanese Gymnastic Exercises- Costumes - Lithograph - 1862

1862

Figures - Costumes is a Hand-colored lithograph on paper realized in 1862.

Customs -Balok Dancers is a Hand-colored lithograph on paper realized in 1862. Titled on the lower. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the univ...

Japanese Customs is an original Hand-colored lithograph on creamy paper realized by an anonymous artist in the 19th Century. Signed on the plate on the lower. Titled in Italian on t...

Japanese Custom is an original Hand-colored lithograph on creamy paper realized by an anonymous artist in the 19th Century. Signed on the plate on the lower. Titled in Italian on th...

'Convento di agagna nell' Isola Guam. Occupazioni domestiche in Guam.' Italian lithograph, c1841. Originally from 'Galleria universale di tutti i popoli del mondo' by Giuseppe Anton...

Original antique print of dancing inhabitants of the Caroline Islands. This print originates from 'Costume Antico e Moderno: Palestine, China, India, ...

Vibrant Depictions of 19th Century Japanese Costumes from Auguste Wahlen’s Masterpiece These prints depict various figures from Japanese society, ranging from a humble fisherman's family to a nobleman, a ceremonial samurai, and infantry musicians. Each figure is intricately dressed in traditional attire, reflecting their status and roles. The prints were created by the artist Auguste Wahlen as part of his celebrated work *"Moeurs, Usages et Costumes de tous les Peuples de Monde"* (Customs, Manners, and Dress of All the Peoples of the World), published in 1843. The vibrant colors and fine detailing were achieved using lithography, a printmaking technique that involves drawing on a flat surface with a grease-based medium and using a chemical process to transfer the image. The accuracy of the costumes and lively scenes make these lithographs especially appealing. The contrast between the vivid costumes and soft shading adds depth, capturing the essence of Japanese life during this period. Attraction of the Prints: The appeal lies in their historic and ethnographic value, showcasing detailed attire and customs from another era, accompanied by the richness of the lithography technique. The vibrant colors, clean lines, and the representation of both nobility and common folk offer viewers a rich visual experience, portraying a distant culture with authenticity and grace. Keywords: 19th-century prints, Japanese costume lithographs, traditional Japanese attire, Auguste Wahlen prints, "Moeurs, Usages et Costumes," ethnographic art, historic lithographs, ceremonial Japanese dress, Japanese fishermen prints, samurai art...

The print is from "Il Costume Antico e Moderno" by Giulio Ferrario, specifically depicting the "Le Lullunge" feast in Senegambia. This festival is illustrated as part of the extensive series detailing the customs, costumes, and daily life of people from different parts of the world. The illustration captures a lively and culturally significant dance that forms part of the "Le Lullunge" celebrations, showcasing traditional attire and communal participation, which are central to the event in Senegambian culture. The illustration not only serves as a vibrant representation of the dance and celebration but also as an ethnographic record from the early 19th century, emphasizing the richness of Senegambian traditions. The term "Senegambia" historically referred to a region in West Africa that encompassed parts of what are today known as Senegal and The Gambia. This area is known for its rich cultural heritage, including vibrant festivals and communal celebrations like the one depicted in the illustration. The "Le Lullunge" feast, as illustrated in Giulio Ferrario's "Il Costume Antico e Moderno," captures the traditional dances and social practices of the peoples in this West African region. This original antique hand-colored print depicts a vibrant scene of Native African dance, possibly part of a ceremonial or ritualistic activity. The individuals are animatedly engaged in dance, with their limbs dynamically positioned, suggesting vigorous movement. Each figure is adorned with elaborate feathered headdresses and carries feathers or other items as part of their dance. These accessories likely have cultural significance, possibly denoting status, role in the ceremony, or spiritual symbolism. The attire of the dancers is simple yet functional for their vigorous activity, consisting of skirts that allow for ease of movement. Their outfits are decorated with additional elements that may indicate tribal affiliation or personal achievement. The dancers are barefoot, connecting them physically and symbolically to the earth, which is a common aspect in many African cultural practices emphasizing a connection to nature. The setting of the dance is outdoors, under a large tree, indicating the importance of natural surroundings for the event. This could be a communal gathering place, chosen for its significance within their community or for its natural beauty and tranquility. Overall, this image captures a moment of cultural expression, highlighting the importance of dance in Native African traditions as a form of communication, celebration, or spiritual practice. The detail and color used in the depiction aim to convey the vibrancy and energy of the scene, reflecting the artist’s perspective on these cultural practices. In more detail: From: ‘Il Costume Antico e Moderno …, l’America.’ , by Giulio Ferrario, published in Milan in 21 volumes by Antonio Fortunato Stella in 1827 (first edition, second issue). The 17 volumes of the first issue were published sequentially between c. 1815/1816 until 1826 after first being issued in 143 weekly installments. The work appeared in Italian and French. Smaller size editions with smaller much less elaborate plates were published in Florence (1823-38), Naples (1831-42) and even a 16mo. editon in Livorno (1830). Original blindstamp at bottom right image. The sources used for this work are wide. Made by ‘Gallo Gallina’ after ‘Giulio Ferrario’. Giulio Ferrario was founder of the ‘Societa Tipografica de Classici Italiani’ and served as the director of the Braidense National Library in Milan, Italy. Artists that worked on this monumental work are: Gallo Gallina, D.K. Bonatti, A. Biasioli, L. Rossi, Paolo Fumagalli, Gaetano Zancon (1771-1816), G. Bigatti, C. Bramati, G. Gallo, C. Bottiglia, G. Castellini, Antonio Rancati (1784-1816), Vittorio Raineri, Sydney Parkinson...