China, from the Types of All Nations series (N24) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This 1889 lithograph, "China," from the "Types of All Nations" series, was created by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette cards. The card depicts a close-up portrait of a young Chinese man, dressed in traditional clothing, with his hair pulled back into a braid. The intricate background design evokes a sense of the unknown and exotic, reflecting the Western fascination with the East during this period. The card is an excellent example of the visual stereotypes and cultural perceptions of the time, offering a glimpse into the late 19th-century Western view of Chinese people.