Treasures of a Chinese Studio ( Ink . Brush. Inkstone. Paper )

Presumed first edition thus, 1976. Printed in Hong Kong. Approx. 8.75 x 5.75 inches. Appears to be flat-signed by the author in a neat ink hand on the front FEP but not certain. Red buckram hardboards, with crisp gilt lettering to the front and the spine. Unbumped spine head and tail, and with sharp corners. A very clean binding. Text block firmly bound in. With 152 numbered pages on off-white matte stock. Exceptionally clean interior. Numerous illus. in color and B&W. Fully intact, illustrated dust jacket, with lightly sunned spine. A transparent DJ protector is in place. A Near Fine copy in a Near Fine DJ. 15 oz. Although he worked as a scholar of classical Chinese culture for much of his life, T.C. Lai [1921-?] took a deep interest in Western culture after living and studying in London. In his retirement, Lai started painting, creating borderline surreal landscapes of Hong Kong and Mainland China. Lai mastered the three perfections of Chinese culture: poetry, calligraphy, and painting. And he synthesized Eastern and Western styles, influences, and ideologies into his art. Working with ink and gouache on silk, Lai's panoramic landscapes recall traditional Chinese ink scrolls. His exploration of brushstrokes is aligned with calligraphic art forms, but his painterly style and use of bright color is decidedly Western. He published more than 35 books on Chinese culture and art.…