The Walls and Gates of Peking.

London: John Lane, The Bodley Head Limited, 1924. 4to (13” x 10.75”), original beige cloth and mottled paper over boards. Black leather label with gilt title at spine. xvii, 239, pp. Folding map of Peking, 128 photogravures on 109 plates,1 color plate, numerous inset plans and elevations.

First edition. One of 800 copies. A landmark work illustrated with historically valuable and evocative photogravures after photographs taken by Sirén as well as plates reproducing architectural drawings made by Chinese artists under the author’s supervision.

Born in Helsinki, Sirén held a Professorship at the University of Stockholm (1908–23) and was Keeper of Painting and Sculpture at the Nationalmuseum (1928–45). A leading authority in the west on the art of China, his interests also encompassed the art of eighteenth century Sweden and Renaissance Italy. In the field of Chinese art, Sirén’s other major books include Gardens of China (1949), China and Gardens of Europe of the 18th Century (1950) and Chinese Painting: Leading Masters and Principles (1956).

CONDITION: Good, lightly soiled, touch of wear to spine, a few minor scuffs and scratches to covers, edges rubbed with some losses to paper, contents clean and attractive.