Habit of a Tartarian Princess in 1700

by Thomas Jefferys

This amazing copperplate engraving dated from the 18th century provides insight into the European view of the attire of aristocracy in the area known to Europeans as Tartary, encompassing the broad territories of North and Central Asia. This artwork was created by the famous geographer Thomas Jefferys, providing an image of the "Habit of a Tartarian Princess," which was characteristic for the epoch and its passion about "Exoticism."

In this engraving, one can see a mixture of practicality due to the nomadic culture combined with luxury that indicates her high social position. The princess is portrayed in a high-waisted robe, which can be considered to be a prototype of Deel or Kaftan with embroidery and fur trimming. Another distinctive feature of this costume is the conical cap worn by the princess.