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Real C -
D. Francisco de Garibay
1828 - Imprenta de D. Leon Amarita, Madrid - First Edition
First printing of this Spanish Royal Decree in which the rules for the government of the Consulate of Manila are established, issued by the King in Madrid on August 26, 1828: Commissioned to print, prior to the licenses of the Royal and Supreme Council of the Indies, and the King's Court of Printing and Bookstores, by its General Attorney in Court - D. Francisco de Garibay.
With text in Spanish, on the final page José Maria del Rio certifies that this copy is in conformity with the original document.
In 1828, the year this declaration was made there was also a failed plot to overthrow the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines, which became known as the Palmero Conspiracy after the two Palermo Brothers who led the failed uprising.
Rare, six copies are listed in OCLC, one of which is a finely bound copy in Madrid’s Biblioteca del Palacio Real published by a different printer with slightly different layout but same text.
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Price HK$ 7,000
1828 - Imprenta de D. Leon Amarita, Madrid - First Edition
First printing of this Spanish Royal Decree in which the rules for the government of the Consulate of Manila are established, issued by the King in Madrid on August 26, 1828: Commissioned to print, prior to the licenses of the Royal and Supreme Council of the Indies, and the King's Court of Printing and Bookstores, by its General Attorney in Court - D. Francisco de Garibay.With text in Spanish, on the final page José Maria del Rio certifies that this copy is in conformity with the original document.
In 1828, the year this declaration was made there was also a failed plot to overthrow the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines, which became known as the Palmero Conspiracy after the two Palermo Brothers who led the failed uprising.
Rare, six copies are listed in OCLC, one of which is a finely bound copy in Madrid’s Biblioteca del Palacio Real published by a different printer with slightly different layout but same text.
More details
Price HK$ 7,000
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
A Study of Chinese Paintings in the Collection of Ada Small Moore -
Louise Wallace Hackney, Yau Chang-Foo
1940 - Oxford University Press, London New York Toronto - First Edition
A superior example of this significant and large folio catalogue of the substantial collection of Chinese paintings in the collection Ada Small Moore (Mrs. William H. Moore) from pre T'ang times to the Ch'ing Dynasty.
Profusely illustrated with 43 monochrome plates of paintings (a number of which are folding), five colour plates of paintings, five plates of calligraphy, and three plates of seals. With detailed descriptions of each work, together with additional notes on history and provenance, and detailed indexes.
This copy includes the additional ten page additional supplement describing the Ming Dynasty hand scroll ‘Distinguished Scholars Feast Before Parting by Shên Chou (1427-1509)’ which ‘was added to the Collection too late to be included in this book’. It is also housed in the original scarce dust jacket, which has suffered somewhat to protect this fine copy.
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Price HK$ 14,000
1940 - Oxford University Press, London New York Toronto - First Edition
A superior example of this significant and large folio catalogue of the substantial collection of Chinese paintings in the collection Ada Small Moore (Mrs. William H. Moore) from pre T'ang times to the Ch'ing Dynasty.Profusely illustrated with 43 monochrome plates of paintings (a number of which are folding), five colour plates of paintings, five plates of calligraphy, and three plates of seals. With detailed descriptions of each work, together with additional notes on history and provenance, and detailed indexes.
This copy includes the additional ten page additional supplement describing the Ming Dynasty hand scroll ‘Distinguished Scholars Feast Before Parting by Shên Chou (1427-1509)’ which ‘was added to the Collection too late to be included in this book’. It is also housed in the original scarce dust jacket, which has suffered somewhat to protect this fine copy.
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Price HK$ 14,000
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
Narrative of the Voyages and Services of The Nemesis -
Commander W. H. Hall, W.D. Bernard ESQ., A.M., Oxon.
1844 - Henry Colburn, London - First Edition
A finely bound first edition first hand account of a pivotal time in Anglo-Chinese relations, the first opium war, and the formation of Hong Kong.
‘Considered to be the best account of the Opium War (1839-1842)’ – Bibliotheca Wittockiana, Western Travellers in China.
Illustrated with three folding maps (chart of the Nemesis voyage, Canton, and Hong Kong), six engraved plates and eight in-text woodcuts.
Referred to as the ‘devil ship’ by the Chinese, the Nemesis was the first British iron-clad warship, designed with a light draft and sliding keel for coastal and estuarine operations. Launched in 1839 for the East India Company, the British used her to great effect in the First Anglo-Chinese War under Hall.
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Price HK$ 22,000
1844 - Henry Colburn, London - First Edition
A finely bound first edition first hand account of a pivotal time in Anglo-Chinese relations, the first opium war, and the formation of Hong Kong.‘Considered to be the best account of the Opium War (1839-1842)’ – Bibliotheca Wittockiana, Western Travellers in China.
Illustrated with three folding maps (chart of the Nemesis voyage, Canton, and Hong Kong), six engraved plates and eight in-text woodcuts.
Referred to as the ‘devil ship’ by the Chinese, the Nemesis was the first British iron-clad warship, designed with a light draft and sliding keel for coastal and estuarine operations. Launched in 1839 for the East India Company, the British used her to great effect in the First Anglo-Chinese War under Hall.
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Price HK$ 22,000
The Lady and the Panda: An Adventure -
Ruth Harkness
1938 - Carrick &, New York - First Edition
A bright copy – in the rare original dust jacket – of this uncommon book, American socialite Ruth Harkness’ account of her panda-hunting expedition to China in 1936. Successfully – and unexpectedly – capturing an infant panda, which she named Su-Lin,
Harkness brazenly side-stepped Chinese bureaucracy, and garbed in fur with a cigarette dangling from her lipsticked mouth and a baby bottle propped in hand, she waged a savvy public battle to extricate Su-Lin from his native land, eventually finding a home for him at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, where he attracted record crowds: 53,000 visitors the first day, a number yet to be matched.
Wonderfully illustrated throughout with 16 pages of black and white photographs taken during Harkness’ journey and of panda, Su-Lin.
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Price HK$ 9,000
1938 - Carrick &, New York - First Edition
A bright copy – in the rare original dust jacket – of this uncommon book, American socialite Ruth Harkness’ account of her panda-hunting expedition to China in 1936. Successfully – and unexpectedly – capturing an infant panda, which she named Su-Lin, Harkness brazenly side-stepped Chinese bureaucracy, and garbed in fur with a cigarette dangling from her lipsticked mouth and a baby bottle propped in hand, she waged a savvy public battle to extricate Su-Lin from his native land, eventually finding a home for him at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, where he attracted record crowds: 53,000 visitors the first day, a number yet to be matched.
Wonderfully illustrated throughout with 16 pages of black and white photographs taken during Harkness’ journey and of panda, Su-Lin.
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Price HK$ 9,000
Travels in the Philippines -
F. Jagor
1875 - Chapman and Hall, London - First Edition in English
First published in German two years earlier, an outstanding and rare example of Dr. Fedor Jagor’s highliy influential and insightful work on the Philippines, one that is still regarded today as a a landmark in Western works on the Philippines. The first edition in English, translated from the original German edition of 1873.
The national hero of the Philippines, José Rizal, admired Jagor’s book and Jagor later introduced Rizal to his German scientific colleagues.
Illustrated throughout and with a folding map.
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Price HK$ 25,000
1875 - Chapman and Hall, London - First Edition in English
First published in German two years earlier, an outstanding and rare example of Dr. Fedor Jagor’s highliy influential and insightful work on the Philippines, one that is still regarded today as a a landmark in Western works on the Philippines. The first edition in English, translated from the original German edition of 1873.The national hero of the Philippines, José Rizal, admired Jagor’s book and Jagor later introduced Rizal to his German scientific colleagues.
Illustrated throughout and with a folding map.
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Price HK$ 25,000
Green Willow and other Japanese Fairy Tales -
Grace James, Warwick Goble (illustrator)
1910 - Macmillan and Co., London - First Trade Edition
A lovely collection of tales and legends, many of them sourced from the Ko-ji-ki, or Record of Ancient Matters, which contains the mythology of Japan, and beautifully illustrated with 40 tipped-in colour plates by Warwick Goble.
Stories in the collection include ‘Flower of the Peony’, ‘Green Willow’, ‘Tamamo, ‘The Fox Maiden’, ‘The Flute’, ‘The Moon Maiden’, and ‘The Wind in the Pine Tree’, among many others.
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Price HK$ 3,000
1910 - Macmillan and Co., London - First Trade Edition
A lovely collection of tales and legends, many of them sourced from the Ko-ji-ki, or Record of Ancient Matters, which contains the mythology of Japan, and beautifully illustrated with 40 tipped-in colour plates by Warwick Goble.Stories in the collection include ‘Flower of the Peony’, ‘Green Willow’, ‘Tamamo, ‘The Fox Maiden’, ‘The Flute’, ‘The Moon Maiden’, and ‘The Wind in the Pine Tree’, among many others.
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Price HK$ 3,000