The Punishments of China, 8 plates
London: William Miller, 1801. Six (6) stipple point engravings with hand coloring in watercolor on white wove paper, one plate (Plate 12) with accompanying text page, 8 1/8 x 10 3/4 inches (205 x 272 mm) (sheet). Each in good condition with moderate handling wear and minor surface soiling. Each sheet has adhesive residue on the verso which is not visible on the recto. From the book containing a total of 22 engravings with accompanying text entitled The Punishments of China …with Explanations in English and French. Leaves lack watermarks, likely printed later 19th century. WITH- two (2) images from the same book; Examination of a Prisoner & Street Punishments, 13 11/16 x 9 13/16 inches (348 x 250 mm) (sheet), printed later without color by London Printing and Publishing Co. Ltd.
This portfolio describes and illustrates the gruesome forms of punishments for numerous crimes committed in China according to the Qing penal code. The text, in both English and French, explains the details of how the punishments are delivered. The book caused growing anxiety in Western countries over the severity of Chinese standards for criminal justice.
Item number: 1944
Price: $600.00
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