Habit of a Lady in Chinese Tartary 1700

by Thomas Jefferys

This rare and original copperplate engraving from the eighteenth century provides us with an interesting insight into the intrigue of the Far East in Europe. It was first printed in London between 1757 and 1772 as part of the geographer and engraver Thomas Jefferys' famous collection entitled "A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations, Antient and Modern."

The engraving features a noble lady wearing attire from what was then called "Chinese Tartary" by western cartographers, referring to the area that today is considered Manchuria and Mongolia, as well as the border regions of the early Qing Dynasty. The costume displays the perfect marriage of practical Central Asian nomadism and elegance of the Chinese court, evident in its layers of robes and fabrics adapted for the cold weather, as well as in the intricate regional headdresses.