Hand Colored Engraving by T. Allom: Great Temple of Honan in Canton

Worshippers kneel in rows before a trio of glowing seated figures

This hand colored engraving is from London, England, United Kingdom, and is dated 1843. It is ink on paper. Printmaking carried enthusiasm for the Orient beyond a small circle of patrons, because publishers and artists produced illustrated books on travel and religion that could be distributed affordably to all classes. Shown here is a hand-colored hall interior with tall dark columns, red lanterns, and three large seated figures lit in amber at the back. Rows of robed worshippers kneel in the foreground. It is 10.5 inches wide and 7.8 high.

A deeply quiet room, drawn with real care for the glow.