This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/18/2025
[PHOTOGRAPHY]. [KASHMIR AND PAKISTAN]. GODWIN-AUSTEN, Captain H. H. (1834-1923). “Description of a Mystic Play as Performed in Ladak…" in the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal: Edited by the Secretaries. Part I, No. II… Calcutta: C. B. Lewis, 1862. 8vo. Illustrated with 10 albumen photographs of native peoples of the region, 5 pages of 2 photos mounted per page. With 2 plates, one being a fold-out. [51]-113, [1, blank] pp. Original printed wrappers (rebacked with later paper, wrappers lightly rubbed and soiled, plates and photo mount pages toned, occasional soiling in text). Near fine. THE SCARCE FIRST EDITION. An exceptionally early primary source photographic record of a remarkable culture, being a firsthand account of a theatrical play which was traditionally performed at festivals twice annually in the principal Buddhist monasteries. Exceedingly scarce, this work by leading Karakorma surveyor Godwin-Austen contains original photographs mounted within the text - very early, and possibly the first photographs ever taken of the region. The photographs, taken by Captain Melville, illustrate monks in elaborate costumes, and others playing the dungchen (a long Tibetan horn). The men had the distinct privilege of attending the performance at the Hemis Buddhist monastery near Leh and witnessing an ancient custom that is virtually obsolete today.