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A Journey to the Tea Countries of China -
Robert Fortune
1852 - John Murray, London - First Edition
A superior and thus rare first edition of this scarce account by one of the greatest 19th century plant hunters. Fortune returned to China in 1848 on behalf of the East India Company to collect plants and seeds of the tea-shrub. The tea growing methods of the Chinese were secret so he had to disguise himself as a Chinese native, and by so doing, learnt their methods and also obtained large numbers of plants and seeds, which in 1851 he successfully introduced into the north-west provinces of India.
In this work Fortune provides excellent descriptions of Hong Kong and China, of Chinese customs, industry, language and flora, missionary activity, opium consumption, and the cultivation and processing of tea. With a full page map of China outlined in colour, and illustrated with three lithographic plates (two of which are tinted), extra woodcut title page, one full page woodcut, and 11 in-text woodcuts.
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Price HK$ 15,000
1852 - John Murray, London - First Edition
A superior and thus rare first edition of this scarce account by one of the greatest 19th century plant hunters. Fortune returned to China in 1848 on behalf of the East India Company to collect plants and seeds of the tea-shrub. The tea growing methods of the Chinese were secret so he had to disguise himself as a Chinese native, and by so doing, learnt their methods and also obtained large numbers of plants and seeds, which in 1851 he successfully introduced into the north-west provinces of India.In this work Fortune provides excellent descriptions of Hong Kong and China, of Chinese customs, industry, language and flora, missionary activity, opium consumption, and the cultivation and processing of tea. With a full page map of China outlined in colour, and illustrated with three lithographic plates (two of which are tinted), extra woodcut title page, one full page woodcut, and 11 in-text woodcuts.
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Price HK$ 15,000
Souvenir Album of China. Including Four Hundred and Fifty Original Photographs -
Charles F. Gammon
1908 - Denniston &, Shanghai - First Edition
A rare and fine early collection of over 450 photographs printed on 100 pages by Charles Frederick Gammon, with with English titles, in the original illustrated paper boards.
American missionary Charles Frederick Gammon (1870-1926) spent seventeen years in China, he was superintendent of colportage for the American Bible Society in northern China. Gammon also held a commission from the Chinese government as a military instructor at Tianjin University and served as a lieutenant with the allied armies during the Boxer Rebellion and was at the siege of Tien Tain. He returned to the United States in 1909, giving regular lectures on his time in China, and submitting articles to various journals.
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Price HK$ 8,000
1908 - Denniston &, Shanghai - First Edition
A rare and fine early collection of over 450 photographs printed on 100 pages by Charles Frederick Gammon, with with English titles, in the original illustrated paper boards.American missionary Charles Frederick Gammon (1870-1926) spent seventeen years in China, he was superintendent of colportage for the American Bible Society in northern China. Gammon also held a commission from the Chinese government as a military instructor at Tianjin University and served as a lieutenant with the allied armies during the Boxer Rebellion and was at the siege of Tien Tain. He returned to the United States in 1909, giving regular lectures on his time in China, and submitting articles to various journals.
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Price HK$ 8,000
A Chinese Biographical Dictionary -
Herbert A. Giles
1898 - Bernard Quaritch and Kelly &, London and Shanghai - First Single Volume Edition
A rare example of this classic work by the British diplomat, Chinese scholar Herbert Giles, the first edition in one volume, previously published in two volumes between 1897 and 1898. Elegantly bound in contemporary full morocco.
A massive undertaking, and the first of its kind, with 2,579 entries from the whole of Chinese history, and 40 triple-column pages of a Chinese and romanized Index prepared by Giles’ wife.
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Price HK$ 9,800
1898 - Bernard Quaritch and Kelly &, London and Shanghai - First Single Volume Edition
A rare example of this classic work by the British diplomat, Chinese scholar Herbert Giles, the first edition in one volume, previously published in two volumes between 1897 and 1898. Elegantly bound in contemporary full morocco.A massive undertaking, and the first of its kind, with 2,579 entries from the whole of Chinese history, and 40 triple-column pages of a Chinese and romanized Index prepared by Giles’ wife.
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Price HK$ 9,800
Walks in the City of Canton. With an Itinerary -
John Henry Gray, Archdeacon of Hongkong
1875 - De Souza &, Victoria - First Edition
First edition of this large and comprehensive work on Canton, by the inaugural Archdeacon of Hong Kong who was formerly the H.B.M. Consular Chaplain at Canton for over ten years, and a sympathetic, detailed observer of Chinese life.
To the rear, Gray provides 56 pages of itineraries ‘for the Service of Travellers, Visiting the City of Canton’, seven walks in total, with references to the in-depth descriptions within the text.
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Price HK$ 14,000
1875 - De Souza &, Victoria - First Edition
First edition of this large and comprehensive work on Canton, by the inaugural Archdeacon of Hong Kong who was formerly the H.B.M. Consular Chaplain at Canton for over ten years, and a sympathetic, detailed observer of Chinese life.To the rear, Gray provides 56 pages of itineraries ‘for the Service of Travellers, Visiting the City of Canton’, seven walks in total, with references to the in-depth descriptions within the text.
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Price HK$ 14,000
Morokoshi Meish -
Okada Gyokuzan, Oka Y
1806 [Bunka 3] - Kawachiya Kichibei [and 11 others], Ô - First Edition
Very scarce first edition of this magnificently illustrated six volume work on the famous places of Qing Dynasty China, with approximately 327 full-page woodblock prints (xylographic printing on mulberry paper) of which there are 135 double-page illustrations, 1 triple page illustration and three eight-page illustrations (a few of the maps being outlined in red ink). Edited and illustrated by Japanese artists Okada Gyokuzan, (1737-1812), Oka Yûgaku (1762-1833) and Ôhara Toya (1771-1840).
The text printed in Chinese and Japanese with Japanese reading marks. In original publishers blue wrappers, and housed in a custom made navy morocco leather and cloth clamshell case, titled in gilt.
The illustrations depict mostly topographical views: natural archaeological or sacred sites (the Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism, monasteries) and palaces, or historical and legendary scenes based on classical literature. Specifically a map of China and Korea, a map of Peking, a plan of the the Forbidden City, a fine double-page plate depicting the astronomical observatory of Peking set up by the Jesuits Johann Adam Schall and Ferdinand Verbiest, maps and views of the Great Wall and its numerous gates. There are also views of buildings no longer extant, such as the Imperial Elephant Stables.
In summary - Eleven 2-page maps, thirteen 2-page city plans, six 2-page temple plans, three 8-page scenery print, one 3-page scenery print, one-hundred and five 2-page scenery prints, thirty 1-page scenery prints, nineteen in-text prints, four pages of Chinese costume prints, two circular prints of Chinese dignitaries, one full page print of patterns, nine pages of prints of Chinese weapons, armour, and tents, four pages of prints of Chinese vessels and containers, five pages of prints of costumes and jewellery, ten pages of prints of musical instruments, two pages of prints of scales, nineteen pages of prints of modes of transport and accompanying banners and musicians, eight pages of prints of globes and other related instruments, a two page army schematic, four pages of prints of Chinese military costumes, two pages of elephant accessories, and numerous vignettes and samples of Chinese text.
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Price HK$ 110,000
1806 [Bunka 3] - Kawachiya Kichibei [and 11 others], Ô - First Edition
Very scarce first edition of this magnificently illustrated six volume work on the famous places of Qing Dynasty China, with approximately 327 full-page woodblock prints (xylographic printing on mulberry paper) of which there are 135 double-page illustrations, 1 triple page illustration and three eight-page illustrations (a few of the maps being outlined in red ink). Edited and illustrated by Japanese artists Okada Gyokuzan, (1737-1812), Oka Yûgaku (1762-1833) and Ôhara Toya (1771-1840).The text printed in Chinese and Japanese with Japanese reading marks. In original publishers blue wrappers, and housed in a custom made navy morocco leather and cloth clamshell case, titled in gilt.
The illustrations depict mostly topographical views: natural archaeological or sacred sites (the Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism, monasteries) and palaces, or historical and legendary scenes based on classical literature. Specifically a map of China and Korea, a map of Peking, a plan of the the Forbidden City, a fine double-page plate depicting the astronomical observatory of Peking set up by the Jesuits Johann Adam Schall and Ferdinand Verbiest, maps and views of the Great Wall and its numerous gates. There are also views of buildings no longer extant, such as the Imperial Elephant Stables.
In summary - Eleven 2-page maps, thirteen 2-page city plans, six 2-page temple plans, three 8-page scenery print, one 3-page scenery print, one-hundred and five 2-page scenery prints, thirty 1-page scenery prints, nineteen in-text prints, four pages of Chinese costume prints, two circular prints of Chinese dignitaries, one full page print of patterns, nine pages of prints of Chinese weapons, armour, and tents, four pages of prints of Chinese vessels and containers, five pages of prints of costumes and jewellery, ten pages of prints of musical instruments, two pages of prints of scales, nineteen pages of prints of modes of transport and accompanying banners and musicians, eight pages of prints of globes and other related instruments, a two page army schematic, four pages of prints of Chinese military costumes, two pages of elephant accessories, and numerous vignettes and samples of Chinese text.
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Price HK$ 110,000
Account of a Voyage of Discovery to the West Coast of Corea, and the Great Loo-Choo Island -
Captain Basil Hall, H. J. Clifford
1818 - John Murray, London - First Edition
A fine full margined copy, with nine aquatint plates by William Havell, all but one hand-coloured, five engraved maps, including two folding, and an engraved plate of ‘Wollaston’s Dip Sector’ instrument.
‘This expedition took Lord Amherst's embassy to China and explored the relatively little-known East China Sea and the Yellow Sea. Visits were made to Korea and the Ryukyu Archipelago. Korea had been sketchily explored by Europeans, but it was not until this 1816-7 expedition of the Alceste and Lyra, under Captains Murray Maxwell and Basil Hall, that detailed information was obtained about the Ryukus. On the homeward passage, the Alceste was wrecked in Gaspar Strait off Sumatra. Captain Hall served in the Royal Navy from 1802-23 and achieved the rank of post-captain. He saw extensive duty on the Pacific coast of America, and continued his travels as a private citizen. He wrote many other books about his travels and experiences.’ - Hill.
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Price HK$ 30,000
1818 - John Murray, London - First Edition
A fine full margined copy, with nine aquatint plates by William Havell, all but one hand-coloured, five engraved maps, including two folding, and an engraved plate of ‘Wollaston’s Dip Sector’ instrument.‘This expedition took Lord Amherst's embassy to China and explored the relatively little-known East China Sea and the Yellow Sea. Visits were made to Korea and the Ryukyu Archipelago. Korea had been sketchily explored by Europeans, but it was not until this 1816-7 expedition of the Alceste and Lyra, under Captains Murray Maxwell and Basil Hall, that detailed information was obtained about the Ryukus. On the homeward passage, the Alceste was wrecked in Gaspar Strait off Sumatra. Captain Hall served in the Royal Navy from 1802-23 and achieved the rank of post-captain. He saw extensive duty on the Pacific coast of America, and continued his travels as a private citizen. He wrote many other books about his travels and experiences.’ - Hill.
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Price HK$ 30,000
The Later Ceramic Wares of China -
Robert Lockhart Hobson
1925 - Ernest Benn, London - First Edition. Deluxe Issue. Number 28 of 250 signed copies
A fine copy of the limited edition which was signed by Hobson and contains five additional colour plates (plates A to E), in the publisher’s deluxe full glazed pigskin binding.
Hobson’s exhaustive and scholarly work, is a natural sequel to Wares of the Ming Dynasty, carrying on the history of Chinese pottery and porcelain and completing the trilogy that began with Early Ceramic Wares of China. Chapters include general history, detailed studies of various periods, European influences on Chinese porcelain, as well as explanations of shapes, designs, and marks.
Profusely illustrated with twenty four full page colour plates, eight folding colour plates, and fifty full page monochrome plates. There are also a small number of in-text emblems, symbols, and the final chapter on potter’s marks provides five pages of examples.
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Price HK$ 18,000
1925 - Ernest Benn, London - First Edition. Deluxe Issue. Number 28 of 250 signed copies
A fine copy of the limited edition which was signed by Hobson and contains five additional colour plates (plates A to E), in the publisher’s deluxe full glazed pigskin binding.Hobson’s exhaustive and scholarly work, is a natural sequel to Wares of the Ming Dynasty, carrying on the history of Chinese pottery and porcelain and completing the trilogy that began with Early Ceramic Wares of China. Chapters include general history, detailed studies of various periods, European influences on Chinese porcelain, as well as explanations of shapes, designs, and marks.
Profusely illustrated with twenty four full page colour plates, eight folding colour plates, and fifty full page monochrome plates. There are also a small number of in-text emblems, symbols, and the final chapter on potter’s marks provides five pages of examples.
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Price HK$ 18,000
The Game Birds of India, Burmah, and Ceylon -
Allan Octavian Hume, Charles H. T. Marshall
1879-81 - Hume and Marshall, Calcutta - First Editions
A superb and thus rare example of this three volume work, in the original gilt decorated bindings, and containing the complete set of 144 colour plates. All three illustrated title pages are also present.
Hume, ‘the Father of Indian Ornithology’, put together this work using contributions and notes from a network of 200 or more correspondents. Hume delegated the task of getting the plates made to Marshall. The chromolithographs of the birds were drawn by W. Foster, E. Neale, (Miss) M. Herbert, Stanley Wilson and others and the plates were produced by F. Waller in London. Hume had sent specific notes on colours of soft parts and instructions to the artists. He was unsatisfied with many of the plates and included additional notes on the plates in the book. This book was started at the point when the government demoted Hume and only the need to finance the publication of this book prevented him from retiring from service. He had estimated that it would cost £4,000 to publish it and he retired from service on 1 January 1882 after the publication.
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Price HK$ 18,000
1879-81 - Hume and Marshall, Calcutta - First Editions
A superb and thus rare example of this three volume work, in the original gilt decorated bindings, and containing the complete set of 144 colour plates. All three illustrated title pages are also present.Hume, ‘the Father of Indian Ornithology’, put together this work using contributions and notes from a network of 200 or more correspondents. Hume delegated the task of getting the plates made to Marshall. The chromolithographs of the birds were drawn by W. Foster, E. Neale, (Miss) M. Herbert, Stanley Wilson and others and the plates were produced by F. Waller in London. Hume had sent specific notes on colours of soft parts and instructions to the artists. He was unsatisfied with many of the plates and included additional notes on the plates in the book. This book was started at the point when the government demoted Hume and only the need to finance the publication of this book prevented him from retiring from service. He had estimated that it would cost £4,000 to publish it and he retired from service on 1 January 1882 after the publication.
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Price HK$ 18,000