Confucius

Confucius sinarum philosophus, sive scientia sinensis latine exposita ... Adiecta est tabula chronologica sinicae monarchiae. Paris: [Andreas Cramoisy] for Daniel Horthemels, 1687



3 parts in one volume, folio (13½ x 8¾ in.; 343 x 223 mm). Woodcut royal device on first title, another woodcut vignette on Tabula chronologica title which is dated 1686, one folding engraved map, one full-page engraved portrait of Confucius in a library on leaf Ff2, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces; title strengthened on a guard, light dampstain in upper portion of first few leaves affecting map, occasional light marginal stains and soiling, light dampstain in upper margin of last few quires, colophon leaf bound after page 106. Contemporary vellum with yapp edges; soiled.

G. Buyck à Swiete (contemporary purchase note in Greek on both titles)

Cordier 1392; Lust 724

The first western translation of Confucius, which introduced the name "Confucius", latinized from the the Chinese title Kong fuzi. The present work was compiled by a group of Jesuits under special license from Louis XIV. It contains Intorcetta's translations of Ta Hsüeh ["The Great Learning"], Chung-yung ["The Mean"] and Lun-yü ["The Analects"], and Couplet's genealogical tables. Couplet had recently returned from China bringing with him a young Chinese convert named Michael Shen, whom he took to visit King Louis at Versailles in 1684. The king was most intrigued by the visitor and, among other things, requested a demonstration of the use of chopsticks, the food for which was served on golden plates.