Views of China - Zhongguo ming sheng.

First edition. 2vols. 53 & 80 photographic plates with Chinese and English captions. Oblong 8vo. Original green decorated cloth, overall in very good condition, several plates stamped in vol. 2. Protected in a custom-made slipcase. [Peking], P.P.I.E./Shanghai, Commercial Press,

A very rare Chinese publication of architectural monuments of China. The first album was published in Peking on the occasion of the Panama Pacific International Exhibition in San Francisco in 1915. The introduction extolls the virtues of 5000 years of Chinese history as well as the beauty of the country and its landscape. The second volume was published by the Chinese Business Party "as a memento of their visit to U.S.A. in 1915". This trade delegation was composed of 20 businessmen negotiating on behalf of the weak Yuan Shikai reign. They visited the US in the wake of Japan's Twenty-one Demands in order to deepen relations and lobby support against their neighbour. The album shows famous scenes and buildings throughout China. Rare.

Stock Code: 224357