- 120
Photographs
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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Description
- Album Chinois. [before 1857]
- paper
4to (280 x 210mm.), lithographed title with introduction (verso blank), 41 albumen prints (from 92 x 70mm. to 110 x 187mm.), individually mounted on card with a lithographed caption pasted beneath, recto only, modern black cloth, flat spine, red label, gilt edges, title neatly restored, some images with staining, wear, and restoration, some re-mounted
Literature
Western Travellers in China 89
Condition
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."
"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
ONE OF THE FIRST PHOTOBOOKS TO INCLUDE CHINESE SUBJECTS. The purpose of this rare Jesuit publication, as explained in the introduction, was to make known the costume and dress of the inhabitants of the 'Celestial Empire' from the Emperor to ordinary workers. The photographs include original images taken from life of Chinese people (including teachers, students, and workers), and Jesuit missionaries, together with photographs of prints and paintings of Chinese subjects, including the conquests of the Emperor Qianlong, boats, musicians, an opium den, a farmhouse interior, taking tea and rice, and scenes of missionary life in China.
The national library of France dates this work to 1850-70, however in 2013 a copy was sold at auction in Paris from the library of the artist Augustin Aubert who died in 1857, which provides a terminus ad quem.
The national library of France dates this work to 1850-70, however in 2013 a copy was sold at auction in Paris from the library of the artist Augustin Aubert who died in 1857, which provides a terminus ad quem.