Itier, Jules

FIRST EDITION, 3 volumes, 8vo (205 x 128mm.), half-titles, 3 tinted frontispieces after daguerreotypes by the author (see below), hand-coloured lithographed map, plate of musical notation, folding letterpress table, contemporary calf-backed boards, without vol.2 frontispiece (a duplicate of vol.1, rather than the one called for)

Cordier, Sinica 2117; Lust 645; Western Travellers in China 88

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. THE PLATES ARE BASED ON ITIER'S DAGUERREOTYPES, THE EARLIEST PRESERVED PHOTOGRAPHS OF CHINA. "Itier (1802-77) was a French customs inspector and amateur daguerreotypist... In December 1843, he was sent to accompany Théodore de Lagrené on his journey to China, where he had been dispatched by Louis Philippe to conclude a commercial treaty. In China, Itier documented the conclusion of the Treaty of Whampoa and took a number of daguerreotypes of Chinese people and the scenery in the Guangdong region. Although the daguerreotype reportedly reached China in the later stages of the First Opium War" (Western Travellers in China). Itier was credited with being a pioneer daguerreotypist not only in China but also in Egypt, Borneo, Manila and South Vietnam. He also travelled to Africa, Guadaloupe, the East Indies and the Pacific Islands, where he continued his photographic work.