http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=29213&item=3503898682&rd=1


EXTREMELY RARE and BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED
EARLY ACCOUNT OF JAPAN CULTURE!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=29213&item=3503898682&rd=1

LE JAPON ILLUSTR$(D??(B

by Aim$(D??(B Humbert, published in Paris by Librairie de L. Hachette et Cie, 
1870 [FIRST EDITION], 424 pp.

This is volume one of a two volume set. I have found only one other copy 
of this book for sale on the internet. That two volume set sells for $2000.

 From my research I have discovered that Humbert^Ys work was translated 
into English and published in 1874 under the title Japan and the 
Japanese Illustrated. The French version that I am offering here appears 
to be rarer, more desirable, and more valuable. Apparently, the copious 
plates and vignettes are from original photographs and the author's own 
pen and pencil sketches. Humbert was Minister Plenipotentiary of the 
Swiss Republic in Japan, where he lived for two years.

Additionally from my research, I have found that "this is one of the 
most sumptuously illustrated works on Japan. Showing every-day life and 
customs of Japan, it contributed to the rise of the Japonism movement in 
the art and fashion of Europe."

In addition to the photographs below, I am willing to email interested 
parties scans of the table of contents, the three page introduction, 
and/or the 11 page list of illustrations and maps.

This 424 page volume lists 248 gorgeous illustrations (many full-page 
plates) plus four maps: Kioto, Osaka, Yedo (Tokyo), and Japan. One of 
which, Yedo (or Tokyo) is an attached, large fold-out map (24" X 17 1/2").

The book measures 13 1/2" X 10 1/2" and weighs about 7 pounds. The red 
leather spine features gold lettering, gilded stamp designs and five 
raised bands. Embossed and pebbled cloth boards. Decorative endpapers 
and all edges wonderfully gilt.

This volume is in good-very good condition. It features solid hinges and 
a tight binding. The cloth on the lower corner of the front cover is 
worn away exposing the board (see photo below). Otherwise the covers 
show mild wear. The title page shows moderate foxing and the first 
three-four leaves exhibit mild foxing. Four-five of the last leaves also 
exhibit mild foxing. Otherwise internally the pages are tightly bound, 
clean and in very good-excellent condition! The fold-out map has a 3 
3/4" tear. The illustrations and other maps are all in excellent 
condition! There is a gift inscription inside the front cover.

This fabulous scarce volume would make an outstanding addition to your 
library, or a terrific gift for that Japanophile you know!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=29213&item=3503898682&rd=1