Lot n° 218
Estimation :
1800 - 2000
EUR
Asia - China - BRETON DE LA MARTINIÈRE (J. B.). La Chine en - Lot 218
Asia - China - BRETON DE LA MARTINIÈRE (J. B.). La Chine en miniature, ou choix de costumes, arts et métiers de cet empire. Paris, Nepveu, 1811. 4 vols. in-16, red long-grained morocco, ornate smooth spines, wide gilt decoration framing the covers, gilt fillet on the edges, gilt inner border, gilt edges (period binding).
First edition of this miniature encyclopedia of Chinese arts, crafts, customs and costumes. It is illustrated with 80 hors-texte plates, finely colored at the time, showing people in period costumes, views, monuments, etc. (Brunet I, 1226; Colas 433.).
For his explanatory notes, the author drew on all ancient and modern reports and documents published from Kircher to Kotzebüe. Most of the compositions were engraved after unpublished originals from the collection of Louis XV's famous Minister of State and Controller General of Finances, Henri Bertin, a patron of the arts and industry and a passionate admirer of China.
A precious copy in contemporary morocco, with minor wear.
Expert : Madame Elvire POULAIN-MARQUIS
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