Various Artists

Customs - Persian Palanquins - Lithograph - 1862

1862

Customs - Persian Palanquins is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862. Titled on the lower. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: "...

Customs - Persian Deities is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862. Titled on the lower. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: " Hi...

Title: "1844 Persian Cultural Figures: Engraved Prints of Traditional Attires" Description: This compilation features three handcoloured lithographs representing traditional Persian figures: a common man, a dervish, and a noble, from the esteemed 1844 collection "Moeurs, Usages et Costumes de tous les Peuples de Monde" by Auguste Wahlen. Published in Paris, these prints are crafted through lithography, a popular 19th-century technique, and are enhanced with Arabic gum on wove (vellin) paper. The vivid depiction of their cultural attire and the distinct portrayal of each social stratum make these prints particularly captivating. They offer a glimpse into the historical socio-cultural fabric of Persia, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of Middle Eastern art and history. In the three prints you provided of Persian figures, each character holds something distinct that signifies their role or status within their culture: 1. Persé - Homme du Peuple (Common Man): - Holding: This figure holds a walking stick or cane, which is a common accessory that could be used for practical purposes like walking support or herding animals. - Outfit: He wears traditional attire with a long coat and a large hat, indicative of a common man's clothing in historical Persian society. His outfit and the stick both emphasize his everyday, practical life. 2. Derviche Persan (Dervish): - Holding: The Dervish holds a stick and a begging bowl. Dervishes are known for their ascetic piety, often connected with Sufism in Islam. The stick (or staff) symbolizes their travels and spiritual journey, while the bowl is used to receive alms, reflecting their vow of poverty. - Interesting Fact: Dervishes are part of a mystical spiritual ascetic practice within Islam, focusing on the universal values of love and service. Their clothing and accessories reflect simplicity and spiritual richness. 3. Noble Persan (Nobleman): - Holding: The nobleman carries a sword, which is a symbol of power, authority, and martial prowess. It is commonly featured in depictions of nobility as a sign of their status and ability to command. - Outfit: His clothing is significantly more elaborate and colorful compared to the others, with fur trim and decorative patterns, signifying wealth and high social status. These accessories and their attire provide a deep insight into the roles and societal positions of each figure within Persian culture, reflecting a wide range of personal and social identities from the common man to spiritual seekers and the ruling elite. Each element, from the practical walking stick to the symbolically rich begging bowl and the authoritative sword, offers a narrative about their life, status, and societal roles during that historical period. Keywords: - Antique Persian prints...

"1844 Lithograph of a Bukharan Uzbek: Traditional Attire and Craft" Description: This 1844 lithograph captures a traditional Bukharan Uzbek man, from the renowned series "Moeurs, Usages et Costumes de tous les Peuples de Monde" by Auguste Wahlen. Published in Paris using the technique of handcoloured lithography, enhanced with Arabic gum on vellin paper, this print vividly portrays the rich cultural attire unique to Bukhara, Uzbekistan. The man's elaborate robe and distinctive headwear highlight the regional fashion and craftsmanship. The print’s appeal lies in its detailed depiction of historical dress and accessories, offering a window into the cultural diversity of Central Asia. Such prints are treasured for their historical value and intricate artistry, making them highly desirable to collectors and enthusiasts of ethnographic art. The lithograph depicting a man from Bukhara, Uzbekistan, offers several intriguing cultural and historical insights: 1. Traditional Attire: The attire of the Bukharan man, particularly the elaborate robe and turban, is a rich display of Uzbek textile craftsmanship. Traditional robes, often made from silk and cotton, are adorned with intricate ikat patterns—a dyeing technique where threads are dyed before weaving. This style is emblematic of Uzbekistan's well-known textile industry. 2. Turban Significance: The turban, known locally as a "doppa" or "tubeteika," is more than just practical headwear; it serves as a cultural symbol of status and identity. The style, color, and way it is worn can convey information about the wearer's social status, region, and even his clan affiliations. 3. Historical Context: Bukhara was a pivotal Silk Road city, making it a melting pot of cultures, languages, and religions. The diverse influences are reflected in the traditional clothing, which blends Persian, Turkic, and nomadic styles. 4. Artistic Technique: The use of handcoloured lithography in the 19th century allowed for high-quality, detailed prints that were more accessible to the European public. This technique involved drawing on limestone with a greasy medium, then using water and oil-based ink to print vibrant images, which were then painted by hand. 5. Cultural Preservation: Prints like this serve not only as artwork but also as historical documents that preserve and share the cultural heritage of regions less known to the Western world at the time. They played a crucial role in educating and influencing perceptions about distant cultures during the 19th century. This print, therefore, is not just a beautiful piece of art but a deep well of cultural history and craftsmanship, reflecting the rich tapestry of life in Central Asia during the 19th century. Keywords: - Antique Uzbek prints - Handcoloured lithography - 19th-century Central Asian costumes - Auguste Wahlen lithographs - Traditional Bukharan attire - Ethnographic art prints - Collectible cultural lithographs - Historical Uzbek fashion - Asian historical prints - Vintage Uzbek art...