Framed French Encyclopedic Plate, Circa 1787 – Alphabet De La Langue Scavante Des Lamas Du Thibet, Ou Boutan

Details

Description

An exceptional late 18th-century engraved plate depicting the Tibetan alphabet from a French scholarly encyclopedia of world languages. Titled Alphabet … Read more An exceptional late 18th-century engraved plate depicting the Tibetan alphabet from a French scholarly encyclopedia of world languages. Titled Alphabet de la Langue Scavante des Lamas du Thibet, ou Boutan, this rare original copperplate engraving presents Tibetan characters, phonetics, vowels, and numerical symbols in a beautifully structured academic format characteristic of the Enlightenment era.
Printed in France circa 1787 and engraved by the noted French engraver Bernard Bénard, the work reflects Europe’s early scholarly fascination with Tibetan language and Buddhist culture. The elegant typography, hand-laid paper, and precise engraved script make this piece both historically significant and visually striking.
This example is offered professionally matted and framed in a sophisticated black frame featuring a raised rectangular block design that complements both traditional and contemporary interiors. The presentation elevates the engraving into a museum-quality decorative object suitable for libraries, studies, galleries, or refined collector interiors.
The natural age toning and wear are consistent with an authentic 18th-century work and contribute to its undeniable character and authenticity.
Details
Original antique copperplate engraving
Title: Alphabet de la Langue Scavante des Lamas du Thibet, ou Boutan
France, circa 1787
Engraved by Bernard Bénard (Bénard)
From an Enlightenment-era encyclopedic language publication
Features Tibetan alphabet, vowels, phonetics, and numerical symbols
Printed on laid paper
Professionally matted and framed
Black frame with raised rectangular block motif
Visible age toning and minor wear consistent with period
Excellent statement piece for collectors of antiquities, linguistics, cartography, or Asian studies
Ready to hang
Dimensions: 17" H × 22" W (framed)

***Please Note: The listing photographs are intended to showcase the artwork and overall presentation. Images may not accurately represent the item's actual physical dimensions, so please refer to the measurements provided in the listing description.

All framed pieces are professionally matted with equal-width matting on all four sides, and the artwork is centered within the mat opening. Variations in photography, lighting, and display formatting may make the proportions appear different than they are in person.

If you would like additional photographs, close-up details, or images showing the item alongside a ruler or in a room setting for scale, please send us a message before purchasing. We are always happy to provide additional photos and answer any questions to ensure you are completely confident in your purchase. See less