Luminous Crosses in the Sky over China, 1790s, Paper, Set of 4

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This remarkable set of four antique engravings records extraordinary celestial phenomena observed in China in the early 18th century, as … Read more 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.
Technique: Engraving Maker: Unknown engraver, France, c.1790 See less