- 261
GIORGI. ALPHABETUM TIBETANUM. 1762, FOLIO, MODERN RED MOROCCO
Estimate
3,500 - 4,500 GBP
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Description
- Alphabetum Tibetanum ... Praemissa est disquisitio de vario literarum ac regionis nomine, gentis origine, moribus, superstition. Rome: Typis Sacrae Congregationis de Propaganda Fide, 1762 (i.e. 1763)
Second edition, 2 parts in one volume, folio (295 x 210mm.), half-title, title printed in red and black with woodcut device, divisional half-title to second part, 6 engraved plates, 4 folding, modern red morocco gilt, UNCUT, occasional light browning to plates or text
Provenance
Gifted by the Propaganda Fide, January 1843, manuscript note on preliminary blank; Armenian library red ink stamp to title
Literature
Löwendahl 530; Lust 198; Cordier Sinica 2928; Yakushi (1994) G125a
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
A MONUMENT OF TIBETAN STUDIES, this is an enormously expanded work, incorporating the first edition as a second part. The first part of this work, as the expanded title suggests, is a vast compendium of history, myth, and speculation. The work is the most tangible legacy of the Capuchin mission at Lhasa which flourished between 1715 and 1745. Two of the Friars, Francisco Orazio della Penna di Billi, who published an accurate description of the country, and Cassiano di Macerata, sent materials back to Rome which were utilised by Georgi (1711-1797). Some copies have the title with an etched device printed in blue. The printed ecclesiastical approbations are dated May 1763.