Published by National Palace Museum, Taipei City, Taiwan, 1979
Seller: Saucony Book Shop, Kutztown, PA, U.S.A.
First Edition
Soft cover. Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. Collection of (24) beautifully reproduced color plates (8 landscapes, 2 orchids, 2 bamboos, 12 flower paintings), most never previously reproduced, by Soong Mei-ling, aka Madame Chiang Kai-Shek (1898-2003). Original figured gold silk wraps, traditional folded-page thread-sewn binding, calligraphic front pastedown title label, encased in a matching gold silk-covered folding case with calligraphic pastedown on front panel and two bone clasps. Leaves are clean and unmarked. Slight bump to upper thumb-edge corner, with slight creasing not affecting artwork. Protective cardstock Kraft box (calligraphic title pastedown, string toggles) has two small marks of tape residue. All else Fine. Laid in is business card of Mr. Chin Hsiao-yi, Director of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1983-2000. A scarce monograph by one of the most fascinating women of the 20th century, China's "Eternal First Lady." 13 3/4" x 20", total dimensions (in box) 16 3/4" x 22 3/4". Size: Elephant Folio - over 15" - 23" tall. Book.