Ancient Khotan, 2 Vols (Bound in 1): Detailed Report of Archaeological Explorations in Chinese Turkestan, Carried Out and Described Under the Orders of H.M. Indian Government

"Detailed report of archaeological explorations in Chinese Turkestan carried out and described under the orders of H. M. Indian government". The kingdom of Khotan, situated on the ancient Silk Road along the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, in the modern region of Xinjiang, China, flourished for over a millennium from the 2nd century BCE, during which time it served as a pivotal center for economic, cultural and religious exchange between China to the east and the Buddhist kingdoms of Central Asia, to the west. Subsequently falling into obscurity, Khotan remained buried and well preserved beneath arid desert sands until the beginning of the 20th century, when the great explorer, Sir Aurel Stein, led an expedition to the region to excavate and record the sites. This thrilling account of Stein's discoveries at the early Buddhist monastic cities of Rawak and Dandan-Uilik and the important archaeological sites of Niya and Endere was first published in 1907; copies of the original edition have long been unobtainable. In this new publication of Stein's report of his first expedition, the textual description of the expedition, rich not only in technical descriptions of the archaeology, but also in the details of the conditions, challenges and adventures Stein faced, are complemented by illustrations in colour and monochrome of hundreds of artefacts, including Buddhist sculptures, textiles and ornaments, coins, manuscripts and architectural remains uncovered by his team. This new English edition consists of the two original volumes combined into one: Section (Vol.) I: xxiv, 621 pp. of text, including 78 b&w photos and drawings, index Section (Vol.) II: 17 colour and 102 b&w plates, illustrating several hundred objects and fragments, one fold-out map Produced in handsome bonded leather-bound limited edition of 900 copies, 2001 (original edition 1907). (PLEASE NOTE - This volume is heavy and will require additional postage. Please write for postage quotation.).