Desseins des Edifices, Meubles, Habits, Machines, et Ustenciles des Chinois

London: J. Haberkorn, 1757. Full calf. Very Good. The scarce 1757 1st edition of what is widely considered the first Western study of Chinese architecture. Published out of London (though text is entirely in French) in a regal elephant folio, including its lavish 21 full-page engravings (as called for) by "Mr. Chambers, Architecte". Bound in either the publisher's full calf or, at the very least, in a contemporary-to-the-period calf binding. Light, forgiveable scuffing to the panels, very light bowing to the front board. Wonderful marbled pastedowns. Internally very clean, with just a touch of minor spotting along the rear endsheet. All plates crisp and bright and presenting very well. Translated (in part) from the lengthy title page: "Engraved on the orignals drawn in China by Mr. Chambers" and "added are descriptions of Chinese temples, houses, gardens, etc." A major 18th century study of Chinese architecture.