Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Canton Fur Trader: A Vibrant 1799 Glimpse into China's Commerce

About the Item

Title: "Canton Fur Trader: A Vibrant 1799 Glimpse into China's Commerce" Description: This detailed print, labeled as Plate 43 from the series "Costumes of China," depicts a fur trader from Canton (modern-day Guangzhou), China, showcasing traditional attire and trade goods. The figure is dressed in layered clothing, including a fur-lined jacket, loose trousers, and a cap, holding a pole adorned with various furs, symbolizing his trade. The artwork captures the daily life and commerce of late 18th-century China, reflecting European fascination with Chinese culture during the period. Created by the Chinese artist Pu-Qua from Canton, who provided the original drawing (Pu-Qua, Canton, Delin.), the print was engraved by Dadley in London (Sculpt. Dadley, London) and published in 1799 by W. Miller in London, as noted at the bottom. The technique used is copperplate engraving with hand-coloring, a method typical of the time, allowing for the fine detailing of the trader’s clothing and the texture of the furs, with subtle hues of blue, green, and brown adding vibrancy. What makes this print particularly interesting is its role as a cultural bridge, blending Chinese artistry with European printmaking traditions, offering a glimpse into the global trade networks of the era, particularly the fur trade between China and Europe. The series "Costumes of China" aimed to document Chinese professions and attire for a Western audience, making this piece a valuable historical record. Ideal for collectors of 18th-century art, Chinese cultural history, or early global trade artifacts, this print exemplifies the artistic collaboration and cross-cultural curiosity of the time, preserved through the skilled hands of Pu-Qua, Dadley, and Miller. Condition Report: The print shows mild yellowing with light foxing on the margins. A very small tape remain is visible in the upper left corner, and faint staining appears on the right edge. The image remains clear, rated good for its age. Framing Tips: Use a double mat with a pale blue inner mat and a soft beige outer mat to complement the colors. A gold frame will enhance the historical feel. Opt for UV-protective glass to prevent fading, and avoid direct sunlight.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 13.59 in (34.5 cm)Width: 10.04 in (25.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
    1790-1799
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1799
  • Condition:
    The print shows mild yellowing with light foxing on the margins. A very small tape remain is visible in the upper left corner, and faint staining appears on the right edge. The image remains clear, rated good for its age.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13806-1001stDibs: LU3054345077732

More From This Seller

View All
"Warrior of Timor: A Handcolored Glimpse into Indonesian Culture, 1845
Located in Langweer, NL
This antique print, titled 'Guerrier de Timor (Amfoang),' provides a vivid portrayal of an Atoni warrior from Kupang, West Timor, Indonesia. The hand-colored woodcut captures intrica...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

A Glimpse into Kalmyk Culture through William Alexander's 1814 Engravings
Located in Langweer, NL
Original hand-coloured historical representations of a Kalmuk (or Kalmyk) man and woman, based on the traditional attire depicted. The term "Kalmuk" refers to the Kalmyk people, who ...
Category

Antique 1810s Prints

Materials

Paper

19th-Century Insectarium: A Glimpse into Orthoptera and Varied Insects
Located in Langweer, NL
The first print depicts a collection of orthopteran insects, which includes grasshoppers and crickets. These are characterized by their long hind legs for jumping, and in the case of...
Category

Antique 1840s Prints

Materials

Paper

Evening Bivouac Amidst Rocky Ruins - A Glimpse Into 19th-Century Exploration
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Scenic View of Butte de Morale - A Stunning 19th-Century Expedition Print Description: This lithograph captures the enchanting landscape of Butte de Morale, a serene and ve...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

View of Tanna Island: A Glimpse into Vanuatu from Cook's Voyages, 1803
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Gezicht van het Eiland Tanna'. This print depicts a view of Tanna Island, Vanuatu. Originates from 'Reizen rondom de Waereld' by J. Cook. Translated by J.D. Pas...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Traditional Attires of Kamchatka: A Glimpse into the Cultural Wardrobe of 1814
Located in Langweer, NL
Source these engravings: The publication "Picturesque Representations of the Dress and Manners of the Russians," which includes sixty-four colored engravings with descriptions. The w...
Category

Antique 1810s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

The First of September "Morning" Engraving, 1799
Located in Carmel, CA
Mezzotint engraving, 1799, The First of September, after painting by George Moreland. Moreland was a noted London landscape and genre painter. By the...
Category

Antique 1790s English Georgian Prints

Materials

Paper

Watercolor Finished Print Depicting Racing Horses, England 1799
Located in Milan, IT
A watercolor finished print, depicting racing horses. Samuel Howitt. Solid cherry wood frame, polished and beeswaxed. England 1799.
Category

Antique Late 18th Century British Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Cherry, Paper

Italian Contemporary Hand Painted Freight Boat Print "Irish Trader" 1 of 2
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Beautiful reproduction of a typical English freight boat, called "Irish Trade". This print is part of a series of two Inner slab mesurements: 80 cm x 31 cm All the prints are comple...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Karel Appel Hors D’commerce "Dancing in the Spring" Signed Lithograph circa 1970
By Karel Appel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lithograph titled "Dancing in the Spring" pencil signed by Karel Appel 1970, H.C, in brushed aluminum and glass frame. Karel Appel is one of the founding members of the CoBrA movement in the 1950s. Later Appel emerged as one of the most important modern artists of the 20th century for his use of color. Appel is held in the collections of innumerable museums worldwide. If a print is signed Hors d’Commerce...
Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Henri Matisse Vibrant Large Scale Lithograph
By (after) Henri Matisse
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vibrant large scale Lithograph, after Henri Matisse, French, signed within the print "Matisse '52", this lithograph is probably circa 1970s. Th...
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

1990s Vibrant Yellow Cubist Print Artwork
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage vibrant yellow cubist print artwork. 14.25 x 21.5 art 10.38 x 14.5. Preowned vintage condition. See images provided.
Category

1990s Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Recently Viewed

View All