Fine Printed Books & Manuscripts, Including Americana

Small folio. 128 photogravures on 109 leaves; 2 color plates and 51 text illustrations showing plans and elevations, folding plan of Peking. Original half buckram, marbled boards, lettering-piece gilt, top edge stained red, others uncut (spine a bit toned, some light rubbing to label).

FIRST AMERICAN EDITION, LIMITED ISSUE, number 157 of 800 copies. A new title page, with the Orientalia imprint, is added, otherwise identical to the English Edition of 1924. A landmark work, capturing the architectural essence of old Peking. Considered a “superb historical description of the substantial stone monuments in the Peking area, probably the most important work and the only photographic monograph on the subject from this period by one of the greatest authorities on Chinese art history and architecture" (Western Travellers in China).