[CHINESE]. [FORE-EDGE PAINTING]. LI FANG, Compiler.Wen Yuan Ying Hua. [Finest Blossoms in the Garden of Literature]. [China, ca 16th century].

2 volumes bound in one, comprising volumes 278-286 (of ca 1,000), 8vo (278 x 180 mm). (Light toning to margins.) 20th-century Chinese gilt-speckled blue wrappers and FORE-EDGE PAINTING of Madonna and Child in Chinese Sung style (outer fold of each sheet opened); contemporary folding brocade case, a cloth pattern of iridescent pink, green, orange and brown flowers on a blue background, the inner flaps of interlocking scroll form with gilt edges, bone toggles.

16th Century reprint, likely from the Ming Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Longqing, originally compiled during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Northern Song Dynasty, from 982 to 986. The first edition of this Tang Poetry collection was printed in 1195.

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