Help Department (1 results)

Softbound. Condition: Near fine. First Edition. A charming handmade volume bound in heavy pictorial brocade cloth over limp boards, thread bound in Chinese style with black cord. The book begins with a title page cutout of a dragon dance, followed by seven double page depictions of the following Chinese traditional legends in order: The Herd Boy and the Weaving Maiden; How Molo Stole the Lovely Rose-Red; The Lady of the Moon; Politeness Pays; The Spirit Bird; Sky O'Dawn; The Theft of the Dragon Pearl. The book is composed of alternate leaves of heavy cream card and translucent glassine tissue. Each legend is depicted with an intricate black paper cut-out illustration mounted on the recto of the card page, and an accompanying detailed description of the legend printed on the verso of the previous glassine leaf. A loose tissue insert explains the history and process of the art of Chinese cut-outs, and credits the work to the Self-Help Department, Women's Bible School, Presbyterian Mission. Plain paper inner backing of front brocade cover board cracked along spine, overall near fine condition. Size: 23 x 18 cm.