Helman, Isidore Stanislas--Qianlong, Emperor of China

4to (323 x 250mm.), 19 (of 24) double-page engraved plates numbered I-XX, the engravings appear to be proof before letters, early nineteenth century crimson half roan, marbled boards, lacking the title (as often) and 5 plates (nos. 3, and 21-24), plate 7 with small tear, plate 19 trimmed to plate mark and laid down, some spotting or staining, binding worn, lacking backstrip

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 RARE SET OF ENGRAVINGS, recording the battles, victories and ceremonies of the Chinese Emperor Qianlong. The emperor commissioned the original set of sixteen engravings of his conquests on 13th July 1765, for the central hall of the Imperial Palace in Beijing. The drawings were prepared in China by four Jesuit missionaries and were then sent to France, were they were engraved by eight artists under the direction of Charles-Nicolas Cochin of the Académie Royale at the Court of Louis XVI. These large engravings were completed in 1774 and distributed only in China, with a few rare proofs remaining in Europe, but demand was so great Helman reproduced the series in a reduced format between 1783-1785, and then added 8 further plates of imperial ceremonies between 1786-1788.