[Beato, Felice.

Oblong folio (353 x 474mm.), 100 albumen prints (average 215 x 295mm., or the reverse), individually mounted on card, recto only, 68 with descriptive letterpress mounted facing the image on verso of preceding mount, contemporary red roan-backed red cloth boards, covers with gilt stamped decoration, upper cover titled 'Views of Japan', some slight marginal dust-soiling, a little edge-fading or discoloration to some images, some leaves becoming loose, binding slightly worn

David McLean (1833-1908) first manager of the Shanghai office of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank (1865-1873); thence by descent to the present owner.

McLean was born on 4 February 1833 at Scotswall Farm, near Dunfermline in Fife. At sixteen he joined the National Bank of Scotland. In 1858 he took a post in the Far East with the Oriental Bank at Hong Kong and Shanghai. In 1865 he was appointed Manager of the Shanghai Office of the newly formed Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank. He remained there until 1873 when he was made Manager of the Bank's London Office, where he stayed until his retirement in 1899. McLean remained with the Bank as a Member of its London Committee for some years after his retirement. He died in June 1908.

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."

A fine group of rare topographical and architectural views of Japan. Beato offered his first photographic albums for sale in Japan in 1868, and this and the previous lot are part of that enterprise. This album contains views of Japan and the companion volume (see previous lot) contains a series of hand-coloured portrait studies. The accompanying text, written from a Western perspective, describes places to see, suggesting itineraries and tips to visitors, as well as providing extensive descriptions of the monuments, views and villages. Beato's albums rapidly became a commercial success and were imitated by his competitors and later photographers.