Costumes of Vietnam, Cambodia and Siam Annamite, 187, Paper

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This large and richly coloured print depicts the traditional costumes of people from Annam (central Vietnam), Cambodia, and Siam (Thailand). … Read more This large and richly coloured print depicts the traditional costumes of people from Annam (central Vietnam), Cambodia, and Siam (Thailand). It shows a bustling riverside market scene where men, women, and children gather around boats laden with produce and fish. In the foreground, traders display fish and tropical fruits on woven mats, while seated figures wear characteristic conical hats and draped garments. Behind them stand elegantly dressed women in layered robes and shawls, reflecting the regional styles of each culture. The thatched houses, tall palms, and bamboo groves set the tropical scene, evoking the lush environment of Indochina. This chromolithograph comes from ‘Voyage d'exploration en Indo-Chine effectué pendant les années 1866, 1867 et 1868 par une Commission Française,’ by Francis Garnier, published between 1873 and 1875. Garnier was a French naval officer and explorer who envisioned using the Mekong River to create a trade route into China, promoting French colonial expansion and countering British influence in Southeast Asia. His expedition’s publications are celebrated as some of the most beautiful illustrated works on Indo-China, combining scientific, ethnographic, and geographic detail. The technique is chromolithography, which involved multiple lithographic stones, each inked with a different colour, layered to achieve vivid, painterly effects. This process allowed for true-to-life representation of costume colours and textures, which were essential for ethnographic documentation before photography became widespread. The prints’ accuracy and beauty made them highly prized by collectors and scholars across Europe. Condition summary: Very good condition with strong, vibrant colours and clean paper. Minor age-toning and very light foxing in the margins but no tears or repairs noted. Paper is firm and the impression remains crisp. Framing tips: A warm cream or muted ochre mount will harmonise with the earth tones of the scene. A dark rosewood, teak, or black frame with a subtle gold inner edge will enhance its elegance and museum quality. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the delicate colours. See less