- 100
Mason, George Henry
Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 GBP
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Description
- The Costume of China, illustrated by sixty engravings [- Punishments of China, illustrated by twenty-two engravings] with explanations in English and French. London: W. Miller, 1800 [-1801]
- Paper
FIRST EDITION, 2 works in one volume, folio (340 x 255mm.), each with title in English and French, 82 hand-coloured stipple engravings, each with one leaf of descriptive text in English and French, contemporary straight-grained crimson morocco extensively tooled in gilt, gilt dentelles, edges tooled in blind, scattered spotting or staining, offsetting of some plates, light wear to binding, joints starting
Provenance
J. William Smith Collection, Syracuse Public Library; Henry Casel, and William F. Ross, bookplates
Literature
Löwendahl 710; Western Travellers in China 49
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
"The engravings of The Costume depict individual Chinese in the dress appropriate to their occupation or rank and are based on originals by the Cantonese export artist Pu-Qua and engraved by J. Dadley. This is the expanded edition with 60 plates. Later versions had only 48. The Punishments describes, in graphic detail, the forms of punishment deemed suitable for numerous crimes committed in China. Each plate illustrates one type of torturous punishment from less severe penalties like "Torturing the fingers" and "Twisting a man's ears", to the most serious "The manner of beheading"" (Western Travellers in China).