The Bishop Collection. Investigations and Studies in Jade. Edited by George F. Kunz. New York: Privately Printed [by the De Vinne Press], 1906.

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The Bishop Collection. Investigations and Studies in Jade. Edited by George F. Kunz. New York: Privately Printed [by the De Vinne Press], 1906.
BISHOP, HEBER REGINALD, 1840-1902

2 volumes, large 2o (610 x 450 mm). Etched portrait and 97 plates, including 13 original watercolor drawings by Li Shih-ch'uan, 36 coloured lithographs, 31 copper engravings and 17 woodcuts, many of the plates with two or more figures per page, text illustrations and ornaments, diagrams, maps and facsimiles. Red morocco gilt, gilt-lettered on spines, blue watered-silk linings, t.e.g., others uncut, by Stikeman.

LIMITED EDITION, number 100 of 100 copies for presentation, printed on American hand-made paper. Bishop amassed the greatest collection of jade in America in the second half of the 19th century. His collection was left to the Metropolitan Museum and forms the foundation of their holdings. Bishop's estate produced this important work as a tribute to his collection, in a small limitation for private distribution. They employed the De Vinne press and the Stikeman bindery for the work, and after one hundred copies were printed the type was distributed and the plates destroyed. Bishop's monumental production includes contributions by 28 authorities including Dr. Stephen W. Bushell, George F. Kunz, Dr. Robert Lilley, Tadamasa Hayashi, Prof. L. von Jaczewski, Dr. A.B. Meyer, Dr. Max Bauer, Prof. A.A. Damour and Dr. Ludwig Leiner.
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Provenance

Given to Girard College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by the Heber Bishop Estate, 1906

Lot Essay

Previously sold at Christie's New York, Printed Books and Manuscripts including Americana, 22 May 2001, lot 185.

Another two-volume set of The Bishop Collection, number 53 of the 100 copies printed, was sold at Christie's New York, 19 September 2007, lot 114.

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