[CHINA - BRETON DE LA MARTINIÈRE (Jean-Baptiste) - La Chine - Lot 18

[CHINA - BRETON DE LA MARTINIÈRE (Jean-Baptiste) - La Chine en miniature, ou choix de costumes, arts et métiers de cet empire. Very rare complete set of all 6 volumes of this illustrated ethnographic work on imperial China. Paris, Nepveu, 1811-1812. 6 volumes in 3 in-18 (135 x 84 mm). Bound in well-crafted blond half calf, spines decorated with gilt and cold-stamped fillets, with mosaic title-pieces. Contemporary bindings. 144pp, 172pp, 188pp, 220pp, 236pp, 234pp, 80 and 28 plates. First edition of the important synthesis on China by Jean-Baptiste Joseph Breton, known as de La Martinière (1777-1852). Publication took 3 years. The first 4 volumes appeared in 1811, illustrated with 80 plates including frontispieces and 3 unnumbered plates. The series is completed by 2 volumes illustrated with 28 plates, many of them folding. The plates are engraved and colored at the time. Provenance: De Sinety with heraldic ex-libris azure, a swan argent, the neck passed in an antique crown. Motto "Virtute Nitet". A choice copy in excellent condition.