Paul Claudel - Connaissance de l'Est - 1914

The copy you describe is part of one of the most prestigious and sought-after editions in modern bibliophilia: the so-called “Korean” edition of Connaissance de l’Est by Paul Claudel, published in Beijing in 1914 under the meticulous artistic direction of the writer and archaeologist Victor Segalen.

Your copy numbered 518 belongs precisely to the main run of this literary-artistic work.

Print Run Specifics: The global edition is limited to only 630 copies. Yours (No. 518) is among the 570 copies printed on Korean vergé paper (sometimes referred to as pelure vergé).

The work consists of two octavo volumes. The sheets are folded and sewn “à la chinoise” (impression on a single side of the double-sided paper).
The text features 61 illuminated initials printed in red (cinnabar ink) and black.
The whole is normally protected by a cardboard slipcase with flaps (called t’ao) covered in blue silk or bound, closed with straps and bone clasps.

This book is particularly rare and actively sought after by collectors of Paul Claudel, Victor Segalen, and aficionados of Oriental artist books.

This edition of Connaissance de l’Est features continuous pagination across the two volumes, totaling 226 pages of text, preceded by 6 preliminary pages (title, dedication, table).