Antique Print-HIERARCHY-CHINA-SPIRITUAL-CEREMONIAL-MONK-Labrousse-Grasset-1797

(Chinese Monk and Vestal Virgin) This portrayal captures the spiritual and ceremonial roles within Chinese society, featuring a Chinese monk and a vestal virgin. The monk, depicted on the left, wears the traditional saffron-colored robes symbolic of his religious devotion. His attire is simple yet dignified, reflecting his ascetic lifestyle and commitment to spiritual pursuits. In contrast, the vestal virgin, positioned on the right, is adorned in elaborate ceremonial garments, denoting her sacred duty and purity. Her attire includes intricate patterns and delicate fabrics, symbolizing her role as a guardian of sacred traditions. The monk’s demeanor exudes tranquility and inner peace, emphasizing his detachment from worldly affairs, while the vestal virgin carries an air of solemnity and reverence, embodying her dedication to divine worship. Through their distinct appearances, this depiction illustrates the spiritual hierarchy and ceremonial significance within Chinese culture, highlighting the revered roles of monks and vestal virgins in upholding religious traditions and spiritual harmony.

Made by Labrousse after Jacques Grasset de Saint Sauveur.

Medium: Handcoloured line and aquatint etching on hand laid paper.

Sheet size: 20.5 x 26.1 cm (8.07 x 10.28 inch). Image size: 14.7 x 20.5 cm. (5.79 x 8.07 inch).

Condition: good, given age. Paper edges a bit irregular and brownish from binding. . General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

HIERARCHY-CHINA-SPIRITUAL-CEREMONIAL-DEVOTION | PCO-C27-50

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Costumes de Differents Pays …’ by Jacques Grasset de Saint Sauveur, c.1797.

Biography engraver: Labrousse was a late 18th C. French engraver.

Biography artist: Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur (1757-1810) was born as son of a diplomat in Montreal, Canada. He was exposed to varying cultures at an early age.