1889 scrapbook album of chromolithograph ephemera

N.p., 1889. 10" x 7.75"; pp. [112] plus 34 blank pages, containing 255 chromolithographic pieces, 7 engravings, 3 pith paintings, and 3 hand-painted cards, plus about 6 items in condition too poor to be counted; sizes ranging from full-page to cigarette card sized, with the majority fitting at two or three a page; binding entirely perished, with lower board gone, upper present but loose, and spine entirely perished; sewing to album pages still holding; owner's label on upper cover reading "See Ing San March 10/89"; about a quarter of the items with notable condition issues, largely abrasions or residue from contact with other paper, sometimes tearing, the rest very good with minor abrasions and few in fine condition. A collection of illustrated greeting cards, advertisements, and collectables. Includes many cards for Christmas, the new year, and Easter, with the usual floral and religious imagery, interspersed with a few interesting illustrated ads, including one for "Philadelphia Lawn Mowers at Horticultural Hall," "Burtis & Kirkbride Pianos and Organs" and "Peter Henderson" garden supplies, a collection of 2.5" x 1.25" cards depicting various birds, beauties, and some plates extracted from books. Firms represented include S. Hildesheimer, Raphael Tuck & Sons, etc. In addition to the printed material are 6 pieces of original art, including three pith paintings of birds with fringed edges, and three painted cards, also featuring birds, including one with a miniature printed calendar affixed. Two of the pith paintings have toned, possibly from the adhesive, and one of the card paintings has some paper residue affixed to it. One painted card is signed Knarr. While the name on the ownership label appears to be Chinese the material in the album is is for the most part Anglo. The pith illustrations indicate some Chinese influence, and two cards include a Chinese word alongside the English greeting, but that's it for Chinese material. (Inventory #: 66137)