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 bibliophily: the so-called “Korean” edition of Connaissance de l'Est by Paul Claudel, published in Peking in 1914 under the meticulous artistic direction of the writer and archaeologist Victor Segalen.

Your copy bearing number 518 belongs precisely to the main print run of this literary art object.

The Print Specifications: The overall print run of this edition is only 630 copies. Yours (no. 518) is among the 570 copies printed on Korean laid paper (sometimes designated as onion-skin laid).

The work consists of 2 octavo volumes.
The leaves are folded and bound “à la chinoise” (printing on a single side of the double sheet).
The text includes 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 with blue silk or cloth, closed by straps and bone pins.

This work is particularly rare and actively sought after by collectors of Paul Claudel, of Victor Segalen, and by enthusiasts of Oriental artists’ books.

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