Chinese Architecture Civil and Ornamental. Four Parts in one.

1759. DECKER, Paul. Chinese Architecture Civil and Ornamental. Title-page + 24 plates. London: [the author], 1759. BOUND WITH: -----. Chinese Architecture. Part the Second. Title-page + 12 plates. London: For the Author, 1759. BOUND WITH: -----. Gothic Architecture Decorated. Title-page + 12 plates. London: For the Author, 1759. BOUND WITH: -----. Gothic Architecture. Part the Second. Title-page + 12 plates. Together four parts in one volume. London: For the Author, 1759. Oblong 4to, 230 x 292 mm., bound in contemporary English beige calf, housed in a new half morocco clamshell box. Only edition. The complete set of works on Chinese and Gothic architecture by Paul Decker the Younger (1685-1742), a very early treatment of the subject in England. Several Chinese buildings are depicted, including royal buildings, as well as different barges, such as 'A Barge for the Emperor's Women' and a Japanese barge. There is also an engraving of the Chinese landscape and India flowers. The last plates depict subjects relating to art, for example 'Chinese Subjects Used in Painting of Silks' and 'Chinese manner of filling the Compartments on their Porcelain &c.' The full title of Part I gives the vast scope of the work: "A Large Collection of the Most Elegant Useful Designs of Plans and Elevations, & c. from the Imperial Retreat to the smallest Ornamental Building in China. Likewise their Marine Subjects. The Whole to adorn Gardens, Parks, Forests, Woods, Canals, & c. Consisting of great Variety, among which are the following, viz. Royal Garden Seats, Heads and Terminations for Canals, Alcoves, Banqueting Houses, Temples both open and close, adapted for Canals and other Ways, Bridges, Summer-Houses, Repositories, Umbrello'd Seats, cool Retreats, the Summer Dwelling of a Chief Bonza or Priest, Honorary Pagodas, Japaneze and Imperial Barges of China. Also Those for the Emperor's Women, and principal Officers attending on the Emperor, Pleasure Boats, & c. To which are added, Chinese flowers, landscapes, figures, ornaments, & c." Binding slightly worn, but a very good, complete copy from the Gordon Castle library. Fowler, p. 79-80.