Chinese Ceremonial Paper. A Monograph Relating to the Fabrication of Paper and Tin Foil and the Use of Paper in Chinese Rites and Religious Ceremonies

[Chillicothe, OH]: The Mountain House Press, 1937. Hardcover. Near Fine. Hardcover. Number 122 of 125 copies signed and numbered by the author. Dard Hunter (1883-1966) is considered by many to be the father of hand papermaking in the United States. Hunter traveled extensively around the world, learning about papermaking and collecting artifacts related to the topic. He wrote several books on hand papermaking traditions, and also studied other paper-like materials such as papyrus and amatl.

From the colophon: "The book was printed at the Mountain House Press on paper made by hand in the Orient. The specimens included with each book were gathered by the compiler during journeys in China, as well as in Indochina, Java, Sumatra, Siam, Malay Peninsula, and other Asiatic countries where the Chinese have emigrated and where their ancient customs have been retained. Due to the hand methods used in the making of this volume and to the limited number of original specimens available, only 125 copies have been printed..." With 16 illustrations and 50 samples of ceremonial paper and items made from paper, including trays for sacrificial burning, ceremonial paper money, envelopes, etc. There are eight photogravures of the papermaking process and two folding illustrations, plus two folding pages that protect larger sheets of paper. This is one of Hunter's more elaborate publications. It is also noteworthy that most of the focus is on the uses of paper in ritual, the cultural meanings of paper, if you will, not simply the mechanics of papermaking, as some of his other books are [From a contemporary review].

Bound in quarter black leather with russet colored cloth covers with an elegant design in gold. Gilt titling to spine. Very light wear to covers. Interior pages are beautiful, and the specimens and samples are in fine condition save for a few pieces with some offsetting, which is usually seen in copies of this book. Housed in a brown paper covered slipcase with some fading and wear. A very desirable copy of one of Dard Hunter's most important works in about fine condition. Quarto. 84 pages plus the unnumbered pages with specimens. PRI/083123.