Shinzoku kibun [A Record of Qing Customs].

First edition. 13 parts bound in 6vols. Numerous wood-block illustrations, many double-page. Japanese style binding (fukurutoji) with printed title-labels, rubbed and slightly worn, light worming to last 4ff. of vol. 2, but overall still a very good set. Edo, Shokodo, dated: Kansei 11 [i.e.

Nakagawa Tadateru (1753-1830) was the governor of Nagasaki (Nagasaki bugyo) from 1795 to 1797.  With the help of Chinese interpreters (Totsuji) he collected information on all aspects of life in Qing China from the large number of Jiangnan and Fujian merchants who were residing in Nagasaki. The volumes are richly illustrated with woodcuts and while the content is necessarily biased towards Southern China it can claim a high degree of authenticity. In this context it is interesting to note that the Edo bakufu had some links with Ming dynasty loyalist, many of whom had fled to Southern China and Taiwan. The 13 parts deal with everything from festivals throughout the year, architecture, furniture & household goods, costumes, food & drink, study & examination,  childbirth, coming-of-age, marriage, treating guests, travelling, funerals, ancestor worship and becoming a monk. The chapter on food and drink includes many details on Chinese tea ware. 

Stock Code: 247376