The Open Hand — Palmistry Diagram (c. 1900)
A quietly mesmerising study of fate and fortune. This vintage palm-reading plate—sourced from the Library of Congress—maps the lines, mounts, and signs of the human hand with crisp, instructional clarity. The clean engraving, elegant labels, and restrained typography make it as compelling on a studio wall as it is in a reading room—an artefact of the late-Victorian fascination with the unseen.
Why it captivates
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Vintage esoterica — a classic chiromancy chart that doubles as décor and conversation piece.
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Scholarly clean — fine linework and precise labeling for timeless, minimalist appeal.
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Design-forward — monochrome elegance that suits studios, salons, libraries, and offices.
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Cultural history — a window into fin-de-siècle occult and popular science movements.
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Source you can trust — adapted from an original in the Library of Congress.
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Easy to style — works beautifully alone or as part of a gallery wall.
What you’ll see
The open right hand annotated with the Heart Line, Head Line, Life Line, and Fate Line; the Mounts of Jupiter, Saturn, Apollo (Sun), Mercury, plus Venus and Luna at the base. Finger phalanges and nail beds are proportioned and named, wrist rascettes are marked, and elegant arrows key each feature—an at-a-glance guide to classic palmistry.
A richer historical frame
From the late 19th to early 20th century, Europe and America saw a boom in interest around chiromancy alongside astrology, phrenology, and spiritualism. Popularisers like “Cheiro” helped bring palmistry into parlours and newspapers, blending folklore with fashionable “science.” This plate, preserved by a national archive, distils that moment—half study, half charm.
Choose your finish
🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival-grade, smooth matte stock ideal for framing under glass. Crisp linework, minimal glare.
💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—perfect for busy spaces.
🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.
🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich tone and superb detail.
🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.
Size (W × H)
600 × 841 mm (approx. 23.62 × 33.11 in)
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Orientation: Portrait
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Aspect ratio: ~5 : 7
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Nearest standard frame: A1 (594 × 841 mm) — portrait
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Framing tips:
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For a perfect A1 fit, we can supply an A1-friendly 594 × 841 mm version on request (or your framer can trim ~3 mm from each side).
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For a contemporary look, float-mount with a shadow gap to emphasise the plate’s margins.
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Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Open Hand, Palm Reading (Library of Congress) |
| Painted/Date | c. late 19th – early 20th century |
| Historical Context | Fin-de-siècle interest in chiromancy/occult studies |
| Commission/Provenance | Source: Library of Congress |
| Print Size | 600 mm (W) × 841 mm (H) |
| Available Finishes | Paper, Laminated, Laminated + Timber Hang Rails, Canvas, Canvas + Timber Hang Rails |
| Paper Weight | 160 gsm archival matte |
| Laminate | 2 × 80-micron gloss (true encapsulation) |
| Canvas Weight | 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
| Inks | Pigment-based, fade-resistant |
| Optional Hang Rails | Natural timber, lacquered; fitted hanging cord (allow up to 10 working days) |
| Origin | Printed in Australia |
Who it’s for
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Readers & mystics building a beautiful toolkit
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Designers seeking a minimal, typographic statement piece
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Educators & collectors of cultural/print history
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Gift-givers who love something curious and conversation-starting
Our Commitment
Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then checked and packed by hand so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.
Bring a touch of vintage esoterica to your space—order your Palmistry Diagram print today.
