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 (circa 1845 – circa 1860) after Thomas Allom (1804, London – 1872): Chinese banquet inside a palace, 19th century, steel engraving Technique: Steel engraving on paper Inscription: Signed on the lower part of the printing plate: “Drawn by T. Allom / Engraved by G. Paterson.” Date: 19th century Description: The print depicts a sumptuous Chinese banquet inside a richly decorated palace hall. Seated at the table are distinguished Chinese men in traditional robes from the Qing period, surrounded by a set table and decorative objects. They are drinking, clinking glasses, and appear to be chatting animatedly. Musicians playing 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 carvings, lattice windows, lanterns, calligraphic characters, and 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), Image: 13.0 cm x 18.8 cm (5.1 x 7.4 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. Pale foxing and some soiling, particularly in the margins. Traces of paper adhering along the lower edge of the sheet, as well as a small puncture and a short tear in the margin. A noticeable crease is visible at the top center. The corners of the sheet are slightly bumped and creased.