A Descriptive Catalogue of a Collection of Chinese & Japanese Midzu-Ire (Writers' Water Vessels). Formed by William Cleghorn, Dundee. With an Introduction by A. J. Koop.

First edition, sole impression, of this guide to an extensive collection of antique water vessels formed by the Dundee textile magnate and art connoisseur William Cleghorn, with photographs of both the collection in situ and dozens of individual examples. WorldCat records a single copy at the National Library of Scotland. The vessels were used in scholarly studio for wetting ink cakes in preparation for grinding. They were most commonly made of cast metal that had been elaborately formed, chased, and decorated. Inada Hogitaro was a Japanese art expert who sourced Japanese prints for Laurence Binyon while the latter was working at the British Museum. Inada collaborated with the Asian art expert Albert J. Koop on a number of publications including the influential reference work Japanese Names and How To Read Them (1923). WorldCat records another catalogue by Inada, with a very similar title and introduction, concerning the Chinese and Japanese water vessel collection of the wine merchant and antiquarian Henry Joseph Pfungst (1844-1917). While the two works are often confused, the Pfungst catalogue is shorter and does contain any plates or the glossary found in the Cleghorn catalogue. Although the precise timeline remains unclear, at some point the collection was transferred between the two men, suggesting the esteem in which remarkable artistic grouping was held. Quarto, pp. 28. With 16 photographic prints, including 4 showing the collection in cabinets. Original black half roan, green cloth sides, boards decoratively rolled in gilt with gilt title on front cover, green linen tape on inner hinges, edges untrimmed. Occasional pencil and ink check marks and annotations in text, near-contemporary pressmark on title page. Spine and extremities flaked and worn, expertly retouched, sides bright, a few small closed tears internally, contents lightly toned, plates a little faded but still presenting very well. A very good copy.…