Habit of a Lady of Tartary in 1667

by Thomas Jefferys

A unique copperplate engraving gives us an intriguing look at the extravagant outfit of the Lady of Tartary during the period of transition between the late 17th century. This print reveals the architectural form of the Tartarian costume, which included luxurious silks, elaborate headgear, and the peculiar layers of clothing necessary to cope with the freezing weather conditions of the Steppes and North China.

The depicted lady is not idealized like "Chinoiserie" in the following decades; instead, she is presented with an ethnographic accuracy, illustrating the exoticism and strength of women of the Tartarian courts. The precise drawing technique depicts the rich embroidery and distinct "Manchu" style that would become the hallmark of the Qing Dynasty in Eurasia.