Lot 20522 – 1904 (Jan) « L’Impero Cinese » large book 30.5 x 37 cm printed in Tientsin to order by the Command of the Italian Royal Troops in China

1904 (Jan) « L’Impero Cinese » large book (30.5 x 37 cm), printed in Tientsin, « studio compilato d’ordine del Comando delle Regie Truppe in Cina dal Capitano di Stato Maggiore Luigi Bongiovanni – corredato di schizzi dimostrativi del Tenente di Fanteria Francesco Umberto Giordano », printed to order by the Command of the Italian Royal Troops in China and written by the Captain of Staff Luigi Bongiovanni with sketches designed by Infantry Lieutenant Francesco Umberto Giordano, the cover illustrating a dragon, numbered inside in manuscript « n° 17 » with accompanying « Ra Legazione d’Italia a Pechino » cachet of the Italian Legation in Peking and this example gifted to the Royal Minister of Italy in Peking. The work relates the main elements under the contemporary conditions in the Chinese Empire, with news which are also of concern to Italian officers (pointing out that the lack of knowledge of some factors of the economic life and the unavailability of certain means will cause some inaccuracies), and treating the following aspects often including statistics: geography, political-administrative organization, populations, territories occupied by foreign powers, foreign concessions, treaty ports, railways, telegraphic communications, Chinese Imperial Post, maritime navigation, economic statistics, Chinese and foreign military forces, religion and the Christian propaganda, diplomatic representation in China and a historical chronology, gathered in 141 pages. The work is enriched with 16 numbered sketches (n. 13 is missing) of maps and plans on blue prints, displaying cities, areas, harbours, foreign possessions in China, the plan of the new quartier of the foreign legations in Peking, Italian headquarters in various concessions and map of Korea, all designed by the above-mentioned lieutenant. Spine slightly separated in one place, age spotting and other minor faults to be expected but of little significance for this exceptional lot. An extremely rare and valuable historical item providing a comprehensive, abundant and very useful information which will help the challenging research of the advanced collector of this period in China.