[CHINA] POIRSON, Victor-Armand, and LEGRAND, Émile (pref.). - Lot 75

[CHINA] POIRSON, Victor-Armand, and LEGRAND, Émile (pref.). *The Matron of the Land of Soung. The Two Twins* (Chinese Tales). A delightful edition illustrated by Poirson, reflecting the Japonism that was in vogue at the time, in a fine binding by Champs. Paris, A. Lahure, 1884. In-8, red half-morocco with corner pieces, ribbed spine, stone-patterned paper covers, gilt head, illustrated cover preserved. Binding signed by Victor Champs. XXX and 99 pp., frontispiece and color illustrations, including 14 hors-texte plates, headpieces, and tailpieces. Minimal scuffing at the corners; paper slightly browned at the margins. An illustrated edition featuring color compositions by Victor-Armand Poirson (1858–1893), inspired by the Japonism that was in vogue in the late 19th century. It contains two Chinese tales and, in the appendix, two versions of “The Matron of Ephesus”—one taken from Petronius’s *Satyricon* and the other from La Fontaine’s *Fables*—as well as Chapter II of Voltaire’s *Zadig*.A lengthy preface on Chinese literature by Émile Legrand (1841–1903), a Hellenist, bibliographer, and professor at the École des Langues Orientales in Paris. A limited edition printed on vellum. In fine condition.