This is a rare, original two-volume reference set of By Imperial Command: An Introduction to Ch’ing Imperial Painted Enamels by Hugh Moss, published in 1976. This set is a highly significant find for collectors as it is number 0024 of a limited edition of only 1,000 copies. Early pressings like this are increasingly difficult to locate and are considered essential for any serious library focusing on Chinese Imperial art. The two cloth-bound volumes are in good, structurally sound condition with strong bindings. The interior pages and the extensive collection of color photographic plates remain clean and vibrant. These books serve as the definitive guide for identifying authentic 18th-century Imperial enamels produced for the Chinese emperors, famously featuring front and back views of each piece for precise authentication. Please note the condition of the original slipcase as shown in the photos. The outer white lamination exhibits common age-related bubbling and surface wear. Specifically, there is a piece of the material missing from the top edge of the case, and the interior wooden structure shows some wear. Despite these cosmetic issues with the housing, the books themselves have been well-preserved. This set is priced accordingly to account for the slipcase condition, offering a unique opportunity to own a low-numbered copy of this landmark scholarship at a competitive price.
