The Ordinary Habit of the Emperor of China

by Thomas Jefferys

Take a trip back to the mid-eighteenth century with this stunning print, courtesy of King George III’s geographer, Thomas Jefferys. This plate goes beyond a mere costume sketch; it captures the height of Georgian fascination with the Far East.

The “Ordinary Habit” portrayed here may not be ordinary at all; rather, it demonstrates the refined elegance of Qing Dynasty fashion, as evidenced by the Manchu robe style, intricate patterns, and the signature headdress. Through Jefferys’ careful rendering, one can almost feel the fabric of the silk as well as the intricate embroidery of the garment, providing a unique opportunity to examine the way the West perceived the most powerful man in the East.