Page 37 - Heirloom Collectibles Antiques & Silver

Lot No. 20
THE HISTORY AND DOCTRINE OF BUDHISM
(WITH NOTES OF THE KAPPOISM, OR
DEMON WORSHIP, AND OF THE BALI, OR
PLANETARY INCANTATIONS OF CEYLON)
by Edward Upham

Publisher: R. Ackermann, Strand, London

Year: 1829
Plates: 43
Size: 15.5 x 11 x 1.5 in (39.4 x 28 x 3.8 cm)
This is a seminal work, providing an early Western perspective
on Buddhist philosophy, art, and rituals. This richly illustrated
volume features 41 hand-coloured lithographs and two plain
plates that vividly portray scenes from Buddhist stories, zodiac
symbols, and depictions of deities and demons. Upham also
explores regional practices like ‘Kappooism’ (demon worship)
and ‘Bali’ (planetary incantations), offering insights into the
cultural and spiritual life of early 19th-century Sri Lanka. This
work is among the last major publications by renowned London
publisher R. Ackermann, a pioneer in coloured lithography.

Upham himself was a British Orientalist and retired
bookseller who dedicated his later life to documenting the
religions and cultures of South Asia. This volume remains a
valuable historical resource for understanding Buddhism’s
representation during the colonial era.
The book is bound in full leather with a gilt-decorated border.
The spine shows raised bands typical of a more substantial
binding; it likely has sewn sections.
` 5,00,000 - 6,00,000 | $ 6,173 - 7,407
Provenance: Property from a collection based in New Delhi

Plates from the presented lot