L'empire chinois illustré d'après des dessins pris sur les lieux par Thomas Allom. Avec les descriptions des moeurs, des coutumes, de l'architecture, de l'industrie &c. du peuple chinois depuis les temps les plus reculés jusqu'à nos jours.

2 vol., 4to: 68-26-[1-1 bl.]-76-[1-1 bl.]-74-[2]-73-[5] pp. (some dispersed spotting sometimes touching the pl.).

Contemp. quarter maroon shagreen, cloth on covers, gilt orn. spines with 4 raised bands (spines faded), marbled endpapers, a.e.g.

Beautiful edition, richly illustrated with 4 title vign. and 123 very finely engr. pl. by Th. Allom (comprising 2 front.) showing a dinner party at the house of a Mandarin, the culture and preparation of tea, a bamboo bridge in Hong Kong, etc. Allom (1804-1872) is known as the architect of some important buildings in London such as the churches at Notting Hill and Highbury.
ref. Lipperheide 1533. - Cordier, Sinica, 81. - BnF.