733 - G. PATERSON (*1845) after ALLOM (*1804), Chinese banquet at the palace, Steel engraving

G. PATERSON (*1845) after ALLOM (*1804), Chinese banquet at the palace, Steel engraving George Paterson (around 1845 - around 1860 ) after Thomas Allom (1804 London - 1872 ): Chinese banquet inside a palace, 19th century, Steel engraving Technique: Steel engraving on Paper Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "Drawn by T. Allom / Engraved by G. Paterson". Date: 19th century Description: The print shows a sumptuous Chinese banquet inside a richly decorated palace hall. At the table sit distinguished Chinese men in traditional robes of the Qing period, with a laid table and decorative objects. They are drinking, clinking glasses and seem to be chatting animatedly. Musicians with Chinese instruments perform in the background, while other servants and guests enliven the scene. Servants are serving food on the right. The architecture features typical Chinese decorative elements: Wood carving, lattice windows, lanterns, calligraphic characters, a carved fish on the ceiling. Keywords: China; Qing dynasty; Festival; Palace; Interior architecture; Chinese art; Thomas Allom; 19th century; Colonial period; Prints; Exotic depiction; Chinoiserie; Banquet; Musicians; Traditional clothing; Chinese furniture; Copper engraving; Cultural scene; 19th century; Romanticism; Costumes; China; Size: Paper: 23,2 cm x 30,8 cm (9,1 x 12,1 in), Depiction: 13,0 cm x 18,8 cm (5,1 x 7,4 in) Condition: Rather good condition. Pale foxing and somewhat soiled, particularly in the margins. Traces of paper adhered along the lower edge of the sheet as well as small puncture and short marginal tear. Marked crease visible at top centre. The corners of the sheet are slightly bumped and creased.