民间之图像 / Min jian zhi tu xiang/ Les images populaires chinoises

Pékin : Nachbaur, 1926. First edition. Folio (530 mm tall), printed wrappers (the silk binding perished, light foxing and edge wear), 8 preliminary leaves (Preface); 8 printed leaves (titled Le Nouvel An); 34 colour woodblock prints printed on fragile rice paper (some folding, some with diecut decoration) which are either tipped-in or loosely inserted between the folios (it appears a couple are missing), 7 architectural diagrams indicating the placement of 18 printed red and black banners which are loosely enclosed, substantially complete but probably missing a couple of prints. Housed in a modern folding clamshell box replicating the original binding. Printed in an edition of 200 copies plus 20 hors d’commerce. Rare.

A rare and fragile work which explains the use of woodblock prints for household decorations throughout the year.

“Nachbaur (1879-1933) was born into a family of French architects and decorators. He fled to China after World War I, where he became bookseller, journalist and created his own book house – the “Editions Albert Nachbaur” – and published many books about China. Although he associated with officials (ministers and European ambassadors), he was very interested in Chinese popular customs and traditions” (Western Travellers in China).