Asian Costume & Decorative Arts Lithographs, Paris, 1888, Set of 3

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Asian Costume & Decorative Arts Lithographs, Hand Colored, Paris c.1880 Set of 3 A visually striking and highly decorative set … Read more Asian Costume & Decorative Arts Lithographs, Hand Colored, Paris c.1880 Set of 3 A visually striking and highly decorative set of three antique hand-colored lithographs depicting figures, objects, and ornamental arts from across Asia, published in Paris by Firmin-Didot & Cie in the late 19th century. These refined plates originate from one of the most ambitious illustrated surveys of global culture and design of the period, created to document costume, craftsmanship, and material culture with both artistic elegance and ethnographic interest. The first plate presents a central seated figure in elaborate ceremonial attire, flanked by smaller standing figures representing different regions and traditions across Asia. The richly adorned costume, intricate headdress, and stylized pose create a strong focal point, while the surrounding figures offer a comparative study of dress and identity. The second plate shifts focus to decorative objects and domestic arts, including lacquerware, vessels, pipes, and finely detailed utilitarian items. The arrangement is both balanced and visually engaging, with each object carefully rendered to highlight material, pattern, and craftsmanship. This composition has a strong graphic quality and works particularly well as a standalone decorative piece. The third plate continues this theme with an extensive display of pipes and ceremonial smoking implements, ranging from simple forms to highly ornate examples. The vertical and diagonal arrangement of these objects creates a dynamic composition, emphasizing both variation in design and artistic detail. Executed in fine lithography with original hand coloring, these prints are characterized by crisp outlines, harmonious color palettes, and excellent preservation of detail. Together, the three works form a cohesive and versatile set, combining figural representation with decorative and object-focused compositions. This grouping is especially appealing for interior designers and collectors seeking culturally rich artwork with strong visual impact. The combination of costume, ornament, and material culture allows for flexible display, whether as a unified set or as individual focal pieces. Condition: Good antique condition with age-related toning, light foxing, and minor edge wear. Some faint marks and irregularities along the margins from original binding. Colors remain fresh and well preserved. No major damage. Framing tips: These prints display beautifully with wide ivory or off-white mats and thin dark walnut or black frames. They work well as a horizontal triptych or as part of a broader gallery wall combining cultural and decorative subjects. Note: The interior mockups are for visual inspiration only and do not represent the exact scale. We do not sell reproductions, only original works of art over 100 years old. Keywords: antique lithograph, Asia prints, Asian costume, orientalist art, decorative objects print, 19th century prints, Firmin Didot Paris, hand colored lithograph, ethnographic art, Asian artifacts, lacquerware, pipes illustration, traditional dress, decorative wall art, collectible prints, set of three prints Technique: Lithograph with original hand coloring Maker: Published by Firmin-Didot & Cie, Paris, circa 1876–1888 See less