The Tae-ping Shaou Kwan. Original antique engraving after a painting by T. Allom and engraved by J. Sands. Published by Fisher & Co, London in 1843.

Original antique steel-plate engraved print. Engraved by J.Sands.

Published by Fisher, Son, & Co. in London, 1843

Thomas Allom (1804-1872) was a topographical artist who illustrated “China, in a Series of Views”, displaying the scenery, architecture, and social habits of the country. Upon his return to England, his sketches were used to create a series of 124 engraved views. These were published in 1843, at a time when there was increased interest in China, and some say it provided the Western world with the most comprehensive portrait of China and Chinese culture up to the middle of the 19th century.