- 1
Alexander, William
Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- The costume of China, illustrated in forty-eight coloured engravings. London: William Miller, 1805
- Printed Book
FIRST EDITION, 4to (330 x 242mm.), hand-coloured aquatint frontispiece, sepia aquatint additional title, 47 hand-coloured aquatint plates, some plates with tissue-guards, list of subscribers and index, half morocco over decorated boards, spine tooled in gilt with raised bands, gilt edges, half-title missing (as often), scattered spotting or soiling, offsetting in various degrees, spine slightly sunned
Provenance
Pardo de Leygonier, book label
Literature
Abbey, Travel 534; Löwendahl 727; Western Travellers in China 51
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the text, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
"William Alexander (1767-1816), student of the Royal Academy, studied art under Pars, and subsequently Ibbetson... From 1792 to 1794 he accompanied Lord George Macartney's official embassy on behalf of the British government to Beijing, where he documented the visit and made drawings of the Chinese court... The plates depict various mandarins, tradesmen, royalty and all phases of Chinese society, fashion and costume" (Western Travellers in China).