From the library of the last French Queen. A superb copy with royal provenance of van O. Fisscher's survey of Japan. van O. Fisscher worked in Japan from 1820 to 1829 as a Dutch factory employee at Deshima. In 1822, he accompanied the chief of the Dutch factory Jan Cook Blomhoff (1779-1835) on a journey to appear at the court in Edo. The book covers a broad range of research on Japan and was compiled after J. F. van O. Fisscher returned home, based on his observations and the materials he collected. There are chapters on the geography of the country, sciences, art, religion, the art of war, flora and fauna, domestic life and costume, etc. The high-quality colour plates provide a fine representation of Japanese costume, life and culture.

Born Maria Amalia of Naples and Sicily in 1782 (died 1866), she was niece of Marie Antoinette, and as Marie Amalie was Queen consort to Louis Philippe, King of the French, known as the Citizen King. She was the last Queen of France.

First edition; 4to, x, 320 pp. 15 hand-coloured lithographs, contemporary crimson morocco, richly decorated in gilt and blind, covers with outer gilt chain panel with gilt arms of Queen Marie-Amelie to upper cover and central rectangular panel with gilt floral tools to rear, spine gilt-lettered direct and decorated in gilt, all edges gilt, cream watered silk doublures, a fine copy.

Bobins 300; Cordier, 490; Landwehr (Dutch Books with Colour Plates), 385; Tiele, 357.