Morokoshi Meisho Zue.

1806. OKADA, Gyukuzan, et al. Morokoshi Meisho Zue. [Illustrated Description of Famous Sites of China]. Six volumes bound in five, xylographically printed and illustrated throughout, including many double-page woodcut illustrations. 8vo, 265 x 185 mm., bound Japanese-style in original tan paper wrappers with printed paper lettering pieces, in a modern green cloth chemise. Kyoto, Edo, Byo, and Osaka: Hayashi Ihei et al, Bunka, 1805. Very rare first edition of this guide to the key sites in China during the Qing dynasty, edited and illustrated by the Japanese artists Okada Gyokuzan (1737-1812), Oka Yugaku (1762-1833), and Ohara Toya (1771-1840). Although the Morokoshi Meisho Zue was issued with the imprints of at least thirteen different publishers in the cities of Kyoto, Edo, Byo, and Osaka, very few sets seem to have survived. This informative work illustrates scenes from Chinese history and legend, as well as topographical views, palaces, and archaeological and sacred sites. The work contains maps of China and Korea, as well as the various provinces of the Qing Empire (1644-1912), and the five holy Buddhist mountains. Other woodcut illustrations depict the Forbidden City with its impressive entrance gates, the imperial seals, the astronomical observatory of Peking established by the Jesuits Johann Adam Schall and Ferdinand Verbiest, and the Great Wall with its numerous military observation posts. In addition, there are illustrations of Chinese costumes, astronomical and musical instruments, and general aspects of every-day Chinese life. The text includes explanations of historical events and offers accounts of Chinese classical literature. While there is some minor age soiling to the wrappers, and some insignificant worming to a few leaves, the set is internally immaculate and with excellent impressions of the woodcuts. Kerlen, Catalogue of Pre-Meiji Japanese Books and Maps in Public Collections in the Netherlands 1077. Bibliotheca Wittockiana, Western Travelers in China Discovering the Middle Kingdom 54.