- 49
Ellis, Sir Henry
Estimate
600 - 900 GBP
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Description
- Journal of the Proceedings of the Late Embassy to China; Comprising a Correct Narrative of the Public Transactions of the Embassy, of the Voyage to and from China, and of the Journey from the Mouth of the Pei-Hoto the Return to Canton. London: John Murray, 1817
- printed book
FIRST EDITION, 4to (272 x 200mm.), engraved frontispiece portrait of Lord Amherst, 3 engraved maps, 1 folding, 7 hand-coloured aquatint plates, half calf over marbled boards, spine tooled in gilt, scattered spotting and notes in pencil, maps browned (folding map with small tear), a few minor repairs to calf, joints slightly cracked
Literature
Cordier, Sinica 2393; Lust 509; Löwendahl 791; Western Travellers in China 59
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
"First edition of this official account relating the events and adventures surrounding the Earl Amherst's embassy to China in 1816, sent out by King George III to protest at the ill-treatment of British subjects, but in reality to establish trade relations with the Chinese government. This embassy was unsuccessful for protocol reasons, like the two precedent missions of Charles Cathcart (1787) and George Macartney (1792-94). Amherst and his retinue were sent home in disgrace as he refused to "kow-tow" (nine strikings of the fore-head on the ground) at his presentation to Emperor Khien Lung in Peking." (Western Travellers in China).