Quarto. (13 7/8 x 10 1/4 inches). Titles and text in English and French. Sixty hand-coloured stipple-engraved plates by Dadley after Pu-Qùa of Canton, each with an accompanying text leaf. Contemporary diced Russia covers bordered in gilt and blind, spine with raised bands in six compartments, lettered in the second and fourth, bands with a repeat decoration in gilt, gilt edges. A fine copy of Mason's famous illustrated survey of the costume of China. First published in 1800, Mason's text was based on his own experiences in Canton in 1789-1790. At the time he was there, foreigners were not allowed access to China beyond the borders of the visitor's compounds. Mason, however, was able to gain some information from interacting with the Hong merchants of Canton. The work is given structure by the series of plates based on original drawings by Pu-Qua, that Mason purchased in Canton. Each plate is accompanied by a commentary in which Mason draws on either his own experiences or the accounts of earlier writers such as Staunton and Nieuhoff. Coloured plates in order: 1. A Mandarin of Distinction in his Habit of Ceremony. 2. A Watchman. 3. A Woman making Stockings. 4. A Money-changer. 5. A Barber. 6. A Bookseller. 7. A Frog-catcher. 8. A Pork-butcher. 9. A Bonzee begging Alms. 10. A Man with a Raree-show. 11. A Chinese Woman. 12. A Pipe-seller. 13. A Tambouriner. 14. A Beggar with a Dog. 15. An Arrow-maker. 16. A Porter with Fruit-trees and Flowers. 17. A Pedlar. 18. A Shoemaker. 19. A Blacksmith. 20. A Lantern-painter. 21. A Woman preparing Tea. 22. A Beggar with a Serpent. 23. A Traveller. 24. A Distiller. 25. A Fisherman. 26. An Apothecary. 27. A Labourer. 28. A Mender of Porcelain. 29. A Bricklayer. 30. A Carpenter. 31. A Mandarin in his Summer Dress. 32. A Stone-hewer. 33. A Pillow-seller. 34. A Flute-seller. 35. A Balancer. 36. A Man striking a small Gong during an Eclipse. 37. A Tinker. 38. A Puppet show. 39. A Fishmonger. 40. A Beggar with a Monkey. 41. A Woman embroidering. 42. A Porter with Firewood. 43. A Furrier. 44. A Serpent-catcher. 45. A Miller. 46. A Viper-seller. 47. A Shoemaker. 48. A Cotton-cleaner. 49. A Basket-weaver. 50. A Fisherman with a Scoop. 51. A Cap-maker. 52. A Female Peasant. 53. A Cannister-maker. 54. A Boy with Vegetables. 55. An Old Man polishing Crystals. 56. A Boschee. 57. An Old Woman Twisting Cotton. 58. A Soldier. 59. A Lame Beggar. 60. A Lady of Distinction in her Habit of Ceremony.