著者(Author)：孟子，上元朱曉緩齋
刊行年(Publishing Date)：ca. 18th century
ページ数(Pages)：33, 30, 31, 35 leaves
裝幀(Binding)： Thread-bound
コンディション(Condition)：Good
サイズ(Size)：27.2x16.5cm
An exceptionally rare Chinese two-tier woodblock edition(兩截版) of the Mengzi, comprising vol 4–7 of the main text in the lower register and the complete commentary Mengzi Biaolun Zhuojie compiled by Zhu Xiao Huanzhai of Shangyuan in the upper register.
The volume is preserved in a custom-made Western-style case, the spine titled in French “Philosophe Chinois.” Additional contemporary French annotations appear on a paper slip affixed to the front wrapper and on the inner lining of the case. These features strongly suggest that the book was brought to France by missionaries in the 18th century and studied in a European scholarly context.
The two-tier layout (兩截版, literally “two-register block”) is produced by dividing a single woodblock horizontally into upper and lower registers: the lower section carries the main classical text, while the upper section provides explanatory commentary, allusions, and didactic notes intended to aid comprehension. Such a layout can also be found in vernacular fiction and drama.
This copy therefore represents a particularly rare specimen of a Chinese two-tier woodblock classical edition. The presence of contemporary French annotations and European housing further makes it an excellent example of a Chinese book transmitted and studied overseas in the early modern period.
Minor loss affecting characters at the upper left corner of the first leaf; verso also torn but without loss of text. Front wrapper with a small tear.
For deliveries within Japan, a 10% consumption tax applies.
