Chambers Architecte (2 results)

Soft Flex Covers w Cloth Spine. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket. Fully Illustrated (illustrator). Modern reprint, no edition stated. TEXT IS ONLY IN FRENCH. Approximate English translation of title: Designs of the Buildings, Furniture, Clothes, Machines and Utensils of the Chinese: Engraved on the Originals Drawn in China: To Which is Added a Description of Their Temples, Their Houses, Their Gardens, Etc. ~ 49 pages, oblong over-sized book. Modern undated reprint. Very well done in very good condition. Stated Limited Edition of 250 copies. Firmly readable, desirable and collectible. Paper / Soft cover reprint edition in very good condition, flex covers, a sturdy book. Stored flat. Overall wonderful reprint book. Excellent resource on the history of China, its culture and its people. It would make a great gift for the fan in your life, even if that's you. Illustrations are in black and white. Preface in French: Louer trop ou trop peu font deux exces qu'il est egalement difficile d'eviter. On ne connoit point de bornes, quand on parle du, favoir des Chinois, de leur politique, de leur habilete dans les arts; and les eloges exceflifs qu'on leur donne font voir avec quelle force la nouveaute nous entraine, and combien il est naturel de passer de l'estime a l'admiration. Je fuis bien eloigne de me joindre aux panegyriftes outres des Chinois. Si je trouve chez exu de la grandeur and de la fageffe, c'est lorsque je les compare aveck les peuples qui les environnent; and je n'ai garde de les mettre en paralele avec les habintans, soit anciens soit modernes, de notre partie du monde. On ne sauroit cependant disconvenir que notre attention ne soit due a cette race d'hommes distincte and singuliere, qui demeurant dans un pais, que sa situation separe de toutes les nations policees, a su sans le secours de l' example, former ses moeurs and inventer ses arts. // English translation of the French text preface: To praise too much or too little are two excesses which are equally difficult to avoid. There is no limit when one speaks of the good of the Chinese, of their politics, of their skill in the arts; and the excessive praise which is given to them shows with what force novelty carries us, and how natural it is to pass from esteem to admiration. I am very far from joining in the panegyrists of the Chinese. If I find in them greatness and wisdom, it is when I compare them with the peoples who surround them; and I take care not to put them in parallel with the inhabitants, whether ancient or modern, of our part of the world. It cannot, however, be denied that our attention is due to this distinct and singular race of men, who, living in a country, which its situation separates from all policed nations, has known, without the aid of example, how to form its customs and invent its arts. ~ We appreciate your consideration of one of our books, art prints or novelty items. We strive to offer fast, courteous and professional service to all our patrons. Reading is one of life's great pleasures. Please inquire for further details, our items arrive shrink wrapped and well packed. ~ Thank you for viewing and stopping by. Book.

Full calf. Condition: Very Good. First Edition. The scarce 1757 1st edition of what is widely considered the first Western study of Chinese architecture. Published out of London (though text is entirely in French) in a regal elephant folio, including its lavish 21 full-page engravings (as called for) by "Mr. Chambers, Architecte". Bound in either the publisher's full calf or, at the very least, in a contemporary-to-the-period calf binding. Light, forgiveable scuffing to the panels, very light bowing to the front board. Wonderful marbled pastedowns. Internally very clean, with just a touch of minor spotting along the rear endsheet. All plates crisp and bright and presenting very well. Translated (in part) from the lengthy title page: "Engraved on the orignals drawn in China by Mr. Chambers" and "added are descriptions of Chinese temples, houses, gardens, etc." A major 18th century study of Chinese architecture.