Malpiere, D. Bazin de

First edition, 2 volumes, 4to (345 x 247mm.), 2 hand-coloured lithographed titles, 179 hand-coloured lithographed plates by Deveria, Regnier, Schaal, Schmit, and Vidal after Castiglione, Pu-Qua, W. Alexander, Chambers, and others, including a hand-coloured plan of Peking, 4 leaves of engraved music in vol. 2 with a hand-coloured title illustration, contemporary nineteenth-century red morocco gilt, covers panelled with foliate roll-tool borders gilt, spines gilt in compartments, green morocco lettering-pieces, gilt edges, some spotting and browning, 3 plates in vol.2 with large splash marks, spines sunned

Beriah Botfield, Longleat, sale, Christie’s, 13 June 2002, lot 102

Colas 1957; Cordier Sinica I, 69; Lipperheide 1531; Lust 60

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Rare. This work was issued in 30 parts, each containing 6 plates and is seldom found complete. "Consists of a huge collection of attractively lithographed copies of scenes from Chinese life of the mid-Ch'ing period" (Lust).