Keramic Art of Japan (Two Volumes)

London: Henry Sotheran & Co., 1875. First Edition. Half Morocco. Very Good. The first comprehensive overview in English of Japanese ceramics, covering Hizen, Satsuma, Ise, Kioto, Kaga and Owari wares, and still an indispensable work on the subject, both for the beauty of its plates and illustrations and its majesterial authority. And not least, an outstanding example of Victorian chromolithography and book production. Folio. 41.5 by 31 cm. Introduction Volume.: lxxi, [1], 61 pp. Plates A to M, two of which are chromolithographs (althouth not colorful ones), and numerous illustrations throughout the text, some of which feature color. Example Volume.: 51 plates, each with separate text page(s), tissue guards. 17 of these plates are chromolithographs, the balance being black and white gravures. Vol. with list of plates in front, and slip in rear with instructions to the binder, plus four additional plates with marks. Notwithstanding the 1875 publication date, the preface is dated 1879, as is the norm. Condition: rubbing along the joints, the raised bands and corner leather pieces. Minor foxing -- generally on the tissue guards and the backs of some plates, with occasional presence of foxing otherwise. Both volumes are tight.