Yi Lantai: A Pioneer of Qing Dynasty Copperplate Printing Yi Lantai (Yilantai), born around 1749, was a Manchu court artist who stands as a testament to the transformative influence of Western artistic techniques on Chinese art during the Qianlong reign (1735-1796). His formative years were spent under the tutelage of Giuseppe Castiglione, arguably the most celebrated Jesuit missionary and artist serving the Qing imperial court. This mentorship proved pivotal in shaping Lantai’s artistic vision and propelling him to become a leading figure in establishing copperplate engraving as a viable me…