Kittoe Markham (1 results)

Oblong folio (515 x 320 mm). Vols. 1-10 (of 17). Vol. 1: (3) ff. with 4 numbered plates; vols. 2-10: (1) f. with 4 plates, but vol. 4 instead with 5 plates and vol. 10 with an extra leaf of text and 6 plates from later volumes added at the end. Altogether 47 numbered plates. Numbered plates run continuously 1-10 and I-XXX, with an additional plate XXXIV bound into Volume No. 5. All but two volumes in the original lithographed wrappers. The first ten volumes of this rare and early work on Islamic architecture in India, complete with 41 consecutively numbered plates. Markham Kittoe (1808-53) was a pioneer of Indian archeology with a keen interest in monumental ruins, as well as firsthand experience of the Islamic Mughal architecture which dominated the regions in which he lived and worked. He would go on to be appointed Archaeological Surveyor to the Government of India in 1846. Many of the plates show sites documented in Uttar Pradesh, and focus both on landscape scenes (in which a site is situated) to detailed plates depicting colonnades, a merchant's fine carved door, delicate stone trelliswork, and more. Many important buildings, both recent and ancient are sketched, including the Red Fort at Agra, the Gate of the Old City at Delhi, and "Sennundí Begum's Palace". - Fewer than 10 copies are held in institutions worldwide, and the set is rare at auction. - Wrappers somewhat worn but professionally restored: volumes 7 and 9 in modern, unillustrated wrappers. A few bumps to corners of plates, some toning; edge flaws to a later plate. - With the pencilled ownership inscription of "Major Syers, 19th", probably Major J. D. Syers, who was appointed to the 19th Regiment Native Infantry in 1840.