China in Sign and Symbol - with decorations by Kent Crane -
Louise Crane
1926 - Kelly and Walsh, Shanghai - First Edition
‘All symbols are of universal use and date from earliest antiquity. Mrs. Louise Crane has taken in hand in this volume to describe some of the symbols she has observed in the social life of the Chinese... symbols are our agents.’
Gorgeously presented, this profusely illustrated work is a nicely put together study of the ornate shop signs and enigmatic symbols from 1926, explaining the customs and tradition they are based on. Illustrated by Kent Crane with 49 photographs and full colour plates, depicting different symbols and signs, all brightly coloured, some heightened in gold, and including two large folding coloured plates.
Organised to show how each group of symbols applies to life - The Inner Man; The Outer Man; His Occupation; His Funds; His General Needs; His Health; and His Future State. Provenance: ‘The House of Sung’ with their red Chinese ink stamp to rear.
Quarto (book size 29x22.5cm), pp. xx 227 [1]. In publisher’s cream cloth, spine lettered in gilt, front panel lettered in gilt, with embossed vignette of crane in red and gilt, thick cream and gilt patterned endpapers. Condition: Near fine, minor wear to corners, inner hinges a little loose, gently toned, none of the usual foxing. Ref: 112486 Price: HK$ 7,000
Gorgeously presented, this profusely illustrated work is a nicely put together study of the ornate shop signs and enigmatic symbols from 1926, explaining the customs and tradition they are based on. Illustrated by Kent Crane with 49 photographs and full colour plates, depicting different symbols and signs, all brightly coloured, some heightened in gold, and including two large folding coloured plates.
Organised to show how each group of symbols applies to life - The Inner Man; The Outer Man; His Occupation; His Funds; His General Needs; His Health; and His Future State. Provenance: ‘The House of Sung’ with their red Chinese ink stamp to rear.
Quarto (book size 29x22.5cm), pp. xx 227 [1]. In publisher’s cream cloth, spine lettered in gilt, front panel lettered in gilt, with embossed vignette of crane in red and gilt, thick cream and gilt patterned endpapers. Condition: Near fine, minor wear to corners, inner hinges a little loose, gently toned, none of the usual foxing. Ref: 112486 Price: HK$ 7,000