THE STORY OF SILK & THE STORY OF RICE
"The Story of Silk & The Story of Rice
Foochow, ca. 1920. 2 Concertina bindings encased by wooden boards. Top edges gilt. Each book has 12 colour woodblock prints on silk with text in Chinese and English on the opposite page. The story of silk and rice is also known as the Gengzhi-tu or Tilling and Weaving. Originally it was produced in the Sung dynasty and was later by order of emperor Kangxi reprinted in 1696. A later edition was commissioned emperor Qianlong in the first half of the 18th century. The original intention of the books was to serve as a manual for farmers. Lovely scarce little books in perfect condition. Gift inscription in each book by Uncle Tove? to Tim, one stating that he will tell all about these books when he sees him. These early 20th century examples were sold as souvenirs to westerners returning to their homeland. Scarce."