Asiatic Costumes (Ackermann, First Edition) by Captain Smith

R. Ackermann, London, 1828, First Edition.

An excellent copy of this masterpiece on Indian costumes by Captain Robert Smith, 44th Regiment.

All 44 finely hand-colored plates illustrate a full range of Indian trades and society and depict native subjects in traditional dresses, including 2 Burmese subjects. Most of these drawings were sketched from life and the others copied from contemporary local artists.

Capt. Smith was a soldier in the British line regiment H.M. 44th (East Essex) Foot, and served in India from 1825-33. He prepared an illustrated diary of Indian views from 1828-33 and drew various panoramas of Indian cities, all now in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Apart from Solvyns’ works, this hand-colored compilation of illustrations by Ackermann remain pre-eminent and highly soughtafter record on costumes of British India in the early 19th century.

Rarely found complete, with all text pages in near-fine condition and images in very good condition.

Title: Asiatic Costumes

Publisher: R. Ackermann, Repository of Arts, London

Publication Date: 1828

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

Edition: First