NON-EXPORTABLE
TITLE: Description of a Mystic Play as Performed in Ladak, Zaskar, etc
EDITOR: Captain H H Godwin-Austen
PUBLISHER: Baptist Mission Press
PLACE: Calcutta
YEAR: 1865
BINDING: Rebound in marbled boards, Original pink titled wrappers bound in
EDITION: First
NO.OF PAGES: 10, illustrated with 10 very early original albumen print photographs mounted on blank leafs within the text. Contained in an issue of the "Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal," Vol. xxxiv, Part 1, No. 2. This is a complete issue.
SIZE: 9.5 x 6 inches
Avg photo size 2.5 x 2.5 inches
An exceptionally early primary source photographic record of a remarkable culture, being a firsthand account of a theatrical play which was traditionally performed at festivals twice annually in the principal Buddhist monasteries. Exceedingly scarce, this work by leading Karakorma surveyor Godwin-Austen contains original photographs mounted within the text - very early, and possibly the first photographs ever taken of the region. The photographs, taken by Captain Melville, illustrate monks in elaborate costumes, and others playing the dungchen (a long Tibetan horn). The men had the distinct privilege of attending the performance at the Hemis Buddhist monastery near Leh and witnessing an ancient custom that is virtually obsolete today.
The photographs are generally found in slightly faded condition except for a couple of photographs which have rich tones.
Godwin-Austin, explorer and geologist, was the greatest authority of his day on the Karakoram mountains. He joined the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India in 1856 and travelled extensively in the Himalayan Regions, making several ascents above 20,000 feet. In 1862 he surveyed upper Changchenmo, Pangong district, and the Zanskar ranges, resulting in his "Notes on the Pangong Lake District of Ladakh (1864)" as well as the present account. Godwin-Austen published many scientific monographs during his career.
This lot will be sold in "as is" condition.
There may be some minor tears/creases scratches, or holes commensurate with age that may not be visible in the images.
The books on sale in this auction are rare, out-of-print and otherwise collectable, dating from the 19th century onwards. The technology and material for printing and binding books has evolved over the last few centuries. From being the exclusive preserve of Clergy and Kings to an item of everyday application, the availability and use of books has also evolved over time. Books age over time and deterioration in a book's condition depends on many factors, including the original materials used and conditions of usage over time. Books will often show signs of foxing, fading, shelf-ware or dust jacket damage through usage. Prolonged storage may also cause wormhole damage or water stains.
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