101 B a u m a n R a r e B o o k s “The Best-Known 19th-Century Work On The Subject”: Allom’s China, With 156 Lovely Hand-Colored Engravings Of Chinese Landscapes, Interiors, Costumes And Punishments 130. (CHINA) ALLOM, Thomas, illustrator; WRIGHT, G.N. China, Its Scenery, Architecture, Social Habits, &c. Illustrated. London, circa 1860. Two volumes. Quarto, modern crimson morocco gilt retaining original gilt-decorated cloth. $6500. Early expanded edition of one of the most famous 19th-century series of Chinese views, with 156 finely hand-colored steel-engraved plates, four handcolored vignette title pages, and three folding maps. Handsomely bound. Architect and artist Thomas Allom, in the employ of several London publishers of travel books, “furnished the drawings for the series of illustrated works upon which his reputation rests” (DNB). First published in 1843, his pictorial account of China, “more than any other body of work up until that time, helped to provide a clear picture of Imperial China” (Mark A. Baker). “His China (4 vols., 1843), with a letterpress by G.N. Wright, was the best-known 19th-century work on the subject, although he never visited the country and based his illustrations on the work of other artists” (ODNB). Allom relied upon a number of earlier images, including “copies of Chinese drawings from Staunton’s collection, by Captain Stoddart, and others, largely dealing with Peking, Nanking, the south-east and south” (Lust 363). Originally issued in four parts; this set, though bound in two, retains the four engraved vignette title pages. The first edition contained 124 plates and four vignette title pages. Hand-coloring—possibly done at a later date—excellent, with delicate shading. Fine condition.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDg3OTM=