The Supreame Monarch of the China-Tartarian Empire. Engraving.
Ca. 1650. Copper engraving of the Chinese Emperor, KangXi who ascended to the throne in 1661 at the age of six. Here he is depicted as a young man elaborately dressed, and holding a cane, standing in the ante-chamber of a room, a small dog to the right. In the background is a raised dais with a seated man, with an audience of five men with bowed heads before him. Intricately engraved brocade outfit, floral design curtain behind and parquet type flooring tile. Engraved surface 8 1/4 x 11 1/2" within plate mark bearing the inscription "Ker Folio 69" on the lower right. Printed on laid paper with ample margins. Engraved by Wenceslaus Hollar, 'W. Hollar fecit' in the lower right corner of the print. Hollar was born in Prague but worked mostly in England; he is noted for his engraved book illustrations, especially those for John Ogilby and William Dugdale, his maps and views, and his detailed studies of European costume. The Chinese Emperor's costume, and the patterned wall hanging in this engraving are evidence of his fine attention to detail. Very good condition. Item #15084
HKD2710.
Price: $350.00