China.- Nieuhoff (Jan) An Embassy from the East-India Company of the United Provinces, to the Grand Tartar Cham Emperour of China..., translated by John Ogilby, 3 parts in 1 vol., first English edition, title in red & black, lacking additional engraved title and portrait, with engraved double-page map, double-page plan and 17 plates (one with 2 images), 121 engraved illustrations in text, engraved initials & head-pieces, with blank 2P2 but lacking blank e2 and final blank, one illustration printed upside down, some light soiling or browning, a few stains, title creased, M1, R1, Z1, 2K1, L2 and a couple of plates torn affecting text or images but no loss (some with old repairs), several other minor tears or defects (some repaired), engraved bookplate of F.Fortescue Turvile, later half calf, a little worn, joints split, [Cordier BS 2347-8; Landwehr VOC 543; Löwendahl 140; Lust 535; Wing N1152], folio, by John Macock for the author, 1669; sold not subject to return

⁂ Important account of the Dutch East India company's official visit to the Emperor Chun Chi in Peking in an attempt to persuade him to open up the Chinese ports to Dutch trade. First published in Dutch in 1655, the illustrations show town views, costumes and natural history subjects and provided the European readership with significant and reliable information about the Chinese empire.