Maggs Bros.

“This little book is a translation from the Chinese of the Yen-ching Sui-shih-chi by Tun Li-ch’en, a title which literally means ‘Record of a Year’s Time at Yen Ching’ Yen Ching being an ancient name for Peking. It is a record, day by day, and month by month, beginning with the Chinese New Years Day and taking us throughout the year, of what used to take place in Peking: its festivals, temple pilgrimages, fairs, customs, and the clothing, food, and the animals of the season” (introduction). The plates include an interesting reproduction of a painting showing the preparations for the New Year Celebrations in a Manchu household.