204 - China - HELMAN (Isidore-Stanislas-Henri). A Brief History of the Main Events in the Life of Confucius, the Famous Chinese Philosopher. Engravings based on original drawings from China sent to Paris by Father Amiot, a missionary in Beijing, and taken from the collection of Mr. Bertin. Paris, the author & Ponce, n.d. [1788].

China - HELMAN (Isidore-Stanislas-Henri). A Brief History of the Main Events in the Life of Confucius, the Famous Chinese Philosopher. Engravings based on original drawings from China sent to Paris by Father Amiot, a missionary in Beijing, and taken from the collection of Mr. Bertin. Paris, the author & Ponce, n.d. [1788]. Quarto, red morocco leather, smooth spine richly decorated, triple gilt fillet framing the covers, gilt roulette on the edges and inside, gilt edges (contemporary binding). First edition of this fully engraved book, based on drawings by the Jesuit priest Attiret, commissioned by the Emperor of China and produced through the intermediary of the Compagnie des Indes. It is illustrated with a title page and 24 separate plates, each accompanied by an explanatory leaflet. These scenes from the life of Confucius contributed significantly to the “Chinoiserie” trend that swept Europe in the late 18th century. The collection of Mr. Bertin, minister to King Louis XIV, would later become the print collection of the National Library. A precious copy in period morocco leather, in exceptionally rare condition. Small losses and dark spots on the covers; a few scattered foxing spots, more pronounced on three leaves.