Asia - China - HELMAN (Isidore Stanislas). Abrégé historique - Lot 219

Asia - China - HELMAN (Isidore Stanislas). Abrégé historique des principaux traits de la vie de Confucius célèbre philosophe chinois. Engraved after original drawings of China sent to Paris by P. Amiot, missionary in Peking, and taken from Mr. Bertin's cabinet. Paris, l'auteur & Ponce, sd [1788]. In-4, red morocco, richly decorated smooth spine, triple gilt fillet framing the covers, gilt roulette on the edges and inside, gilt edges (period binding). First edition of this fully engraved book, based on drawings by the Jesuit Father Attiret and commissioned by the Emperor of China through the Compagnie des Indes. It is illustrated with a title and 24 hors-texte plates, each accompanied by an explanatory leaflet. These scenes from the life of Confucius made a major contribution to the fashion for chinoiseries that swept Europe at the end of the 18th century. The cabinet of Mr. Bertin, King Louis XIV's minister, became the cabinet des estampes of the French national library. A precious copy in contemporary morocco, in very rare condition. Some minor interior defects, including a few scattered brown spots, mainly on 3 leaves. Expert : Madame Elvire POULAIN-MARQUIS