[Contes chinois] - ‎La Matrone du Pays de Soung. Les Deux Jumelles. [ex. sur Japon avec suite, Reliure signée E. - 1884

Charming illustrated edition of 24 watercolors by Auguste Poirson, engraved by Gillot, including 12 outside the text. A limited edition for these two Chinese tales accompanied by a preface by E. Legrand, Professor of Public Education.

From the head print, one of the 50 copies on Japan paper with a separate print of the line and a separate watercolor print before the letter, both also on Japan paper. (No. 17).

Kept in a beautiful binding signed by Emile Rousselle, executed in the Bradel style with cherry half-morocco corners, smooth spine decorated with the title and date in gilt initials, gilt head. Covers preserved (without the spine).
In very good condition. Well-made binding, with minor scuffs on the headbands and corners. Interior fresh and clean. A choice copy.

The Matron of the Land of Soung: "the most piquant of tales that François-Xavier d'Entrecolles had translated, a Milésian fable."

Les Deux Jumelles: "a painting that is as curious as it is faithful to one of the strangest aspects of Chinese civilization."

Following in an appendix are a version of the Matron of Ephesus (excerpt from Petronius's Satyricon), La Fontaine's tale of the same title, and an excerpt from Zadig by Voltaire, The Nose.

Beautiful achievement Lahure, finely illustrated by Poirson.

Provenance: Ex-libris of Ch. Protte glued to the front pastedown.

Chinese tales
The Matron of the Land of Soung - The Two Twins - with a preface by E. Legrand
A. Lahure, 1884
in-8 (23 x 15.5 cm); 100 pages. 2 folios + suites.

Subject: China Chinese Tales Soung Country Matron Twins 1884 Engraving by Poirson Lahure