Framed and on the wall
Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look, drawn to its real size; it is sold unframed unless the description says otherwise.
Peoples and Costume
Antique Costume Prints, East Indies Figures & Tribal Dress, 1749
$1,510
€1,350 · £1,130
Original print, not a reproduction
Ships worldwide from the Netherlands, insured and tracked. 14-day returns.
- Date
- 1749
- Sheet size
- 12.6 × 9.8 in (32.1 × 24.9 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Good overall condition with age-related toning. Light foxing and minor spotting visible, primarily in the margins. Some edge wear consistent with age and handling. Plate marks visible.
- Collection
- Peoples and Costume
- Period
- The Company, 1700 to 1799
- Stock no.
- f_49948402
- Color
- Hand colored
What the condition grades mean
- Excellent
- Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
- Very good
- Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
- Good
- Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
- Fair
- Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Title: Antique Costume Prints, East Indies Figures & Tribal Dress, 1749
Description:
A striking and visually dynamic set of three hand-colored antique costume engravings depicting figures from the East Indies and broader Indian Ocean world, published in 1749. These finely executed plates present idealized representations of indigenous and regional dress, capturing the European fascination with distant cultures during the height of global exploration and trade.
Each figure is shown in full-length pose against a minimal background, allowing the intricate costume details to take center stage. The engravings depict an East Indian man with bow and arrows, another warrior figure armed with spear and shield, and a woman of the East Indies holding botanical elements, together forming a compelling narrative of daily life, status, and identity in the region.
The vibrant hand-coloring emphasizes patterned textiles, body adornment, and weaponry, reflecting both ceremonial and practical aspects of attire. These images were originally produced for European audiences eager to visualize the peoples encountered through expanding trade networks, particularly those connected to the Dutch and other East India Companies.
This set carries strong decorative appeal, combining ethnographic curiosity with elegant composition. The balance between male and female figures, as well as the variation in posture and attributes, makes it especially suitable for a curated wall display. Whether arranged in a row or grouped together, the prints create a cohesive yet lively presentation.
Good overall condition with age-related toning. Light foxing and minor spotting visible, primarily in the margins. Some edge wear consistent with age and handling. Plate marks visible.
Framing tips:
These prints work beautifully in a unified presentation. A thin black or dark bronze frame with generous off-white or ivory mats enhances contrast and elevates the figures. For a warmer, more atmospheric look, consider dark walnut frames. Display as a horizontal trio or a vertical arrangement for a strong, gallery-style impact.
Special note:
This is an original antique document, not a reproduction.
