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Set of Four Antique Engravings of Luminous Crosses in the Sky over China, c.1790
$572.03per set
£423.63per set
€480per set
CA$788.10per set
A$876.23per set
CHF 461.39per set
MX$10,631.27per set
NOK 5,841.38per set
SEK 5,460.27per set
DKK 3,653.68per set
About the Item
Set of Four Antique Engravings of Luminous Crosses in the Sky over China, c.1790
This remarkable set of four antique engravings records extraordinary celestial phenomena observed in China in the early 18th century, as described in contemporary Jesuit missionary reports. Each plate depicts a luminous cross appearing in the night sky, accompanied by stars and, in some cases, surrounded by clouds or accompanied by streaks of fire. The engravings are finely executed with simple but precise linework, emphasizing the stark visual impact of the phenomenon.
The accompanying French captions detail the dates, locations, and circumstances of these apparitions, correlating them to the reign years of Emperor Kangxi. Reported sightings include:
– A brilliant white cross seen over the capital of Zhejiang on 23 June 1722, coinciding with the eve of the Feast of St. John the Baptist.
– A glowing cross above a chapel in the village of Han-kia-kiao, Zhejiang, on 31 December 1719, surrounded by a white cloud and visible for over a quarter of an hour.
– A great white cross over the city of Trisan on 8 September 1718, moving across the sky from south to north before vanishing.
– An apparition on 20 August 1718 in Shandong Province, accompanied by a fiery trail and sparks, witnessed by tens of thousands.
These images reflect the Jesuit tradition of careful astronomical and atmospheric observation, blending scientific recording with the interpretation of such events as divine signs. The engravings likely originate from a late 18th-century French publication documenting Jesuit missions in China, possibly *L’Histoire Générale de la Chine* or a similar work, engraved around 1790.
Such sets are rare to find complete, making this an important ensemble for collectors interested in early scientific illustration, missionary history, celestial cartography, or Sino-European cultural exchange.
Condition report: All four plates are in very good condition with only light toning and occasional minor foxing in the margins. Strong impressions with clean lines. Plate marks clearly visible.
Framing tips: This set would display beautifully as a cohesive group in matching frames—simple black or dark wood with white or cream archival mats to enhance the contrast. Arranged in a grid or vertical column, they would make a striking wall feature for a study or library.
Technique: Engraving
Maker: Unknown engraver, France, c.1790
- Dimensions:Height: 7.88 in (20 cm)Width: 4.93 in (12.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Sold As:Set of 4
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1790
- Condition:Condition report: All four plates are in very good condition with only light toning and occasional minor foxing in the margins. Strong impressions with clean lines. Plate marks clearly visible.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-14078-5, -6, -7, -81stDibs: LU3054346210462
About the Seller
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