Paris, Béchet Jeune et Mathias, 1844. In three parts. 8vo (two text volumes, 20.7 x 13.5 cm), oblong 4to (atlas, 27.2 x 21.0 cm). xxvii, 592, 706 pp.; one engraved map, one engraved vignette facing preface, 109 woodcuts and oblong atlas with nine tables (three folded, pp. 1-29) and "explication des planches" (pp. 33-80) including an important list of porcelain signatures from all over Europe and 60 fine engraved plates. Contemporary uniform half calf over marbled boards. Spines with gilt lines and title. Marbled flyleaves.

Rare first edition of an important monograph on porcelain by the French palaeontologist Alexandre Brongniart (1770-1845), who was also director of the famous "Facture Royale de Porcelaine de Sèvres" and professor of mineralogy at the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris. Includes a preface to the French King and "vocabulaire Allemand, Anglais et tables alphabétiques". The plates show various ceramics by different people from different continents, the various production techniques, and tools. This includes curious plates of the "Fabrication de la porcelaine en Chine, Jarre funéraire du Brésil, Jarres des Cafres" etc. It was republished in 1854 and 1877, which are more common editions. Boards rubbed, atlas spine skilfully rebacked. The atlas has an inobstrusive waterstain at the bottom of the last seven plates, and some text on the lower part of the plates shaved with some slight loss of text, otherwise a very good set.