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Single volume, 17.1 x 11.2 cm, quarter black sheepskin over faux chagrin, gilt lettering to spine, marbled endpapers, bottom and outer margin untrimmed, pp.: [i-v] vi- xxxvi, [1] 2-218 [2], collated 4to: π2, a-d4, 1-274 282, total 256 pages or 128 leaves, plus 20 engraved plates by Paul Sellier, including frontispiece portrait of Alexis Piron after bust by Caffieri. Vol. 8 of Bibliothèque Libre, Œuvres badines de Piron, printed on February 15, 1872. Text printed on dense wove paper watermarked P or M, plates printed on India wove paper. A reprint of an edition published in 1796 plus illustrations. Title-page: ŒUVRES | BADINES | D’ALEXIS PIRON | PRÉCÉDÉES | D’UNE NOTICE SUR SA VIE | Nouvelle édition, ornée de 20 figures en taille-douce | {vignette} | IMPRIMÉ PAR LES PRESSES DE LA SOCIÉTÉ | A NEUCHATEL | – | 1872 || Limitation: 100 numbered copies, of which this is № 75. Catalogue raisonné: Dutel I: A-788; Pia: 953-6; Kearney 377 (Patrick J. Kearney. A Catalogue of the publications of Jules Gay, Jean-Jules Gay & Gay et Doucé, revised & expanded. — Santa Rosa, CA Scissors & Paste Bibliographies, 2019) Catalogue Poulet-Malassis & ses amis description: № 81. Alexis PIRON. Œuvres badines précédées d’une notice sur sa vie. Nouvelle édition ornée de 20 figures en taille-douce. [ Jules Gay] Imprimé par les presses de la société, à Neufchatel, 1872. In-8, xxxvi, 218 pages et un feuillet d’achevé d’imprimer de table, demi-basane noire, dos à faux nerfs, tête et tranches naturelles. Illustré d’un portrait et de 20 figures par Paul Sellier. Tirage limité à 100 ex. numérotés. De la « Bibliothèque libre ou collection choisie d’ouvrages du genre libre, imprimés ou réimprimés par les soins de la Société des Bibliophiles Cosmopolites et pour les membres de cette société, à cent exemplaires numérotés ». Bibliographie : Pia 1030, Enfer 1274, Lem 3-454, Gay 5-339, PC 353, G* 38, Pey 203, Dutel A-788." Contributors: Alexis Piron (French, 1689 – 1773) – author. Paul Sellier (French, 1842 – 19..?) – artist. Jules Léopold Gay (French, 1807 – 1887) – publisher. -
One volume collated 8vo, 19 x 14 cm, bound in black alligator leather. Front wrapper (green) / title-page (white): A female figure smoking a pipe next to a beer mug, reclining over an arch ring lettered “…VERSITÉ” (UNI… not shown), her dress ribbon lettered “MUSA STUDIORUM”, holding a book lettered “SCIENTIA”; within the arch « ALMANACH | CROCODILIEN | DÉDIÉ | AUX ÉTUDIANTS BELGES. | BIBLIOTHÈQUE | DE LA JEUNESSE MUSULMANE. »; below lies a book lettered “1856.”, next to it is a smoking skull; three male figures embracing the arch columns. Half-title: ALMANACH CROCODILIEN | POUR | L’ANNÉE BISSEXTILE, MAIS NÉANMOINS DE GRACE | 1856. || Pagination: [1-5] 6-14 [15-41] 42-134 [137] 138, total 136 pages within the wrappers, original publisher's green wrappers preserved, carte de visite ‘Félicien Rops, Étudiant’ and pink invitation card № 129 for ‘Bal des femmes’ on March 19, 1892 at ‘Fête annuelle du Courier Français’ bound in; in-text woodcuts, initials, head- and tail-pieces after Félicien Rops. Bookplate “Ex Libris Marcellus Schlimovich” with motto “Ars naturam adiuvat” on front pastedown. Stamp of the "Sociedad Hebraica Argentina / Coleccion M. Schlimovich / Varios / No. 2-492” to half-title. Pencil inscription to half-title: "Ex. Félicien Rops" – possibly an own copy of the artist. Collation: π2 1-88 92, total 68 leaves within wrappers. Printer: Typ. de J. Vanbuggenhoudt (Bruxelles). Sociedad Hebraica Argentina; Marcelo Schlimovich (Argentine-Jewish, ca. 1880 – 1960) – provenance. Félicien Rops (Belgian, 1833 – 1898) – artist. -
Title: A COMPLETE | COURSE OF LITHOGRAPHY: | CONTAINING | Clear and Explicit Instructions | IN ALL THE | DIFFERENT BRANCHES AND MANNERS OF THAT ART | ACCOMPANIED BY | ILLUSTRATIVE SPECIMENS OF DRAWINGS. | TO WHICH IS PREFIXED A | HISTORY OF LITHOGRAPHY, | FROM ITS ORIGIN TO THE PRESENT TIME. | By ALOIS SENEFELDER, | INVENTOR OF THE ART OF LITHOGRAPHY AND CHEMICAL PRINTING. | WITH | A PREFACE | By FREDERIC VON SCHLICHTEGROLL, |Director of the Royal Academy of Sciences at Munich. | TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL GERMAN, BY A.S. | London: | PRINTED FOR R. ACKERMANN, 101 STRAND. | 1819. || Pagination: [i-iii] iv-xxviii, [4] [1] 2-342. Collation: 4to; [a]-d4, B-2U4 2X2, +14 lithographed plates by Ackermann (incl. 1 folding, 1 colour frontispiece and 1 portrait of A. Senefelder); plates opposite to pp. [i], [1], 193, 198, 203, 228, 232 (fold.), 256, 258, 264, 269, 290, 302, and 305. Binding: By Anne Krawitz (Philadelphia, PA), 27.5 x 21 cm, modern full mottled calf, boards ruled in gilt, flat spine, compartments ruled in gilt, crimson label with gilt lettering to spine, printed on wove paper; round book-plate to front paste-down “TWM, The Whitehead Library”. Edition: 1st in English. Ref.: MET: Accession Number: Ref.20; RCT: RCIN 1195886; Contributors: Alois Senefelder (German, 1771 – 1834) – author of the original and translator. Friedrich Schlichtegroll (German, 1765 – 1822) – author of preface. William Clowes (British, 1779 – 1847) – printer. Rudolph Ackermann (German-British, 1764 – 1834) – publisher and lithographer. Samuel Prout (British, 1783 – 1852) Maximilian Joseph, King of Bavaria (German, 1756 –1825) – dedicatee. -
Pictorial title (coloured): Collection Artistique Guillaume et Cie |—| ALPHONSE DAUDET | Trente ans | de Paris | PARIS | C. MARPON ET E. FLAMMARION | 26, RUE RACINE, 26 | 1888 || Title page: Collection Artistique Guillaume et Cie |—| ALPHONSE DAUDET | Trente ans de Paris | À TRAVERS MA VIE ET MES LIVRES | Illustré | PAR BIELER, MONTÉGUT, MYRBACH, PICARD ET ROSSI | Gravure de Guillaume Frères et Cie | PARIS | C. MARPON ET E. FLAMMARION | 26, RUE RACINE, 26 | 1888 | Tous droits réservés. || Pagination: [12] [1] 2-344 [6], total 362 pp., in-text illustration, head- and tailpieces, photomechanical reproductions. Collation: 12mo; π6, 1-2812 +1; total 181 leaves. Binding: 19 x 12.5 cm; red cloth, gilt lettering to spine, gilt lettering and vignette to front board and gilt device to back board; bookplate to front pastedown: Ex Libris Dr. Vodoz = Egg; Gift inscription to flyleaf in German, dated 30/12/87. Contributors: Alphonse Daudet (French, 1840 – 1897) – author. Ernest Biéler (Swiss, 1863 – 1948) – artist. Louis Montégut (French, 1855 – 1906) – artist. Felician Myrbach (Austrian, 1853 – 1940) – artist. Georges Picard (French, 1857 – 1943) – artist. Luigi Rossi (Swiss, 1853 – 1923) – artist. Ernest Flammarion (French, 1846 – 1936) – publisher. Charles Marpon (French, 1838 – 1890) – publisher. Alexis Lahure (French, 1849 – 1928) – printer. Guillaume Frères et Cie – engravers. -
Hand-coloured woodcut on wove paper, 440 x 285 mm; black ink stamp “5049” to reverse. Top left: "AMIRAL"; right: "349". Below: "Imagerie de DIDION, à Metz, DELHALT Successeur." — "Déposé." Paulin Didion (French, 1831 – 1879) – publisher/printer. -
Two volumes in-12, 16.7 x 11.5 x 3.5 cm each, uniformly bound in quarter crimson morocco over marbled boards, spine with raised bands, gilt lettering, marbled endpapers, top margin gilt; text printed on laid paper, plates – on India paper: loose frontispiece by Félix Lukkow after Félicien Rops with tissue guard and 4 loose engraved plates by Félix Lukkow after Sigmund Freudenberger, in each volume. This edition is a reprint of an earlier publication: ANDRÉA DE NERCIAT, André-Robert (1739 - 1800). Les Aphrodites ou Fragments thali-priapiques pour servir à l'histoire du plaisir. Numéro Un et deux [Numéro trois et quatre [...] sept et huit]. 1793-1864. [Bruxelles : Briard pour Poulet-Malassis, 1864] with plated recarved by Félix Lukkow. Title-page: LES | APHRODITES | OU | FRAGMENTS THALI-PRIAPIQUES | POUR SERVIR A | L’HISTOIRE DU PLAISIR | — | Priape, soutiens mon hàleine… | Piron, Ode | — | Tome premier (second). | {publisher’s device} | A LAMPSAQUE | – | 1793 || Limitation: Edition is limited to 150 copies of which 130 on papier vergé, 5 on papier album jaune, 10 copies in-8o on large papier fort de Hollande, and one unique copy on peau de vélin. The number of this copy is left blank in both volumes. Vol. 1: π4 (h.t./limit., t.p./table, Éclaircissements historiques par V. M. D.), 1-2712 2910; total 182 leaves plus 5 leaves of plates, incl. frontispiece. Pagination: [1-5] 6-364, ils. V. M. D. stands for Vital Désiré Maximilien [Puissant]. Vol. 2: π2 (h.t., t.p.), 1-2912, 3110; total 192 leaves plus 5 leaves of plates, incl. frontispiece. Pagination: [1-5] 6-384, ils. Catalogue raisonné: Dutel I: A-95. Catalogue Poulet-Malassis & ses amis description: № 67. André-Robert ANDRÉA DE NERCIAT - [Félix LUKKOW]. Les Aphrodites, ou fragments thali-priapiques pour servir à l’histoire du plaisir. Tome premier (— second). A Lampsaque, 1793 [Vital Puissant, vers 1872]. 2 volumes in-12 de 364 et 384 pages, demi-maroquin rouge, dos à nerfs, tête dorée, non rogné (reliure de l’époque). Illustré de 2 frontispices et 8 planches volantes, par Félix Lukkow, d’après Félicien Rops pour les frontispices et Freundeberg pour les figures. Tirage limité à 151 ex. Contributors: André-Robert Andréa de Nerciat (French, 1739 – 1800) – author. Sigmund Freudenberger (Swiss, 1745 – 1801) – artist. Félicien Rops (Belgian, 1833 – 1898) – artist. Félix Lukkow (French, fl. c. 1870 – 1875) – engraver. -
Hand-coloured woodcut on wove paper, 265 x 378 mm; black ink stamp “5051 1” to reverse. Top left: "ARMÉE FRANCAISE. ARTILLERIE"; right: (gothic font) "Französische Armee Artillerie" — "№ 107". Below left: "Fabrique d’Images de Fr. Wentzel à Wissembeurg. Bas-Rhin." — "Déposé" —, centre: "Bilderfabrit von Fr. Wentzel in Weissenburg", right: "Fr. Wentzel, Éditeur, rue St. Jacques, 65, Paris". Bottom: "Trompette | Trompeter" — "Capitaine | Gauptmann" — "Porte-Étendard | Fahnenträger" — "Artilleur | Artillerist" — "Cantinière | Marketenderin". Jean Frédéric Wentzel (French, 1807 – 1869) – publisher/printer. -
Hand-coloured woodcut on wove paper, 282 x 392 mm; black ink stamp “5051 2” to reverse. Top: "Armée française. Garde–mobile. Artillerie." — (gothic font) "Französische Armee. Mobil–Garde. Artillerie." — "№103". Below left: "Lith F. C. Wentzel édit. à Wissembourg. (Alsacé); center: Déposé; right: Druck u. Verlag v. F. C. Wentzel in Weissemburg. (Elsass)."; Bottom: "Trompette" — "Capitaine" — "Porte-Drapeau". — "Soldat" — "Cantinière." Jean Frédéric Wentzel (French, 1807 – 1869) – publisher/printer. -
Hardcover volume 28.5 x 20.8 cm, quarter brown morocco over marbled boards, ruled in gilt, spine with raised bands, gilt in compartments, gilt lettering, marbled endpapers, top margin gilt, original lithographic wrappers designed by A. Willette preserved; pp.: [4] h.t., t.p., [1] 2-350 [2], 300 b/w ils in-text and 12 coloured photomechanical reproductions extraneous to collation; collated in-4o: π2 1-444; Title-page: L'ART DU RIRE | ET DE | LA CARICATURE | PAR ARSÈNE ALEXANDRE | 300 FAC-SIMILÉS EN NOIR ET 12 PLANCHES EN COULEURS | D’APRÈS LES ORIGINAUX | {vignette} | PARIS | ANCIENNE MAISON QUANIN | LIBRAIRIES-IMPRIMERIES RÉUNIES | 7, RUE ST-BENOIT | MAY & MOTTEROZ, DIRECTEURS || Contributors : Librairie-Imprimerie réunies (Paris, 1880-1908) – publisher. Arsène Alexandre (French, 1859 – 1937) – author. Adolphe Willette (French, 1857 – 1926) – artist (wrapper) -
Cover: Publisher's wrappers, to front cover with black and red lettering: DEUXIÈME ÉDITION |—| AUGUSTE LEPAGE | Les Diners | ARTISTIQUES ET LITTÉRAIRES | de Paris | {publisher's device} | PARIS | BIBLIOTHÈQUE DES DEAUX MONDES| FRINZINE, KLEIN et Cie, ÉDIREURS | 1, RUE BONAPARTE, 1 | 1884 | Tous droits réservés || Title page: Similar lettering t.p. in black only, with "DEUXIÈME ÉDITION" below "de Paris". Pagination: front wrapper with a pasted leaf, [iii-vii] viii-xi [xii] [1-3] 4-360, back wrapper with a pasted 3/4 leaf, black lattering to spine. Collation: 18mo; π5, 1-1918-206. -
![Auguste Vitu. Les réunions publiques à Paris 1868-1869. — Paris: E. Dentu, 1869. — pp.: [1-5] 6-151 [1].](https://varshavskycollection.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/LIB-2432.2020-a-500x500.jpeg)
Cover: LES | RÉUNIONS PUBLIQUES | A PARIS | 1868 — 1869 | PAR | AUGUSTE VITU | TROISIÈME ÉDITION | Augmentée d’un Appendice contenant les Jugements et Arrêts | rendus à Paris en matière de réunions publiques | PARIS | E. DENTU, LIBRAIRE-ÉDITEUR | PALAIS-ROYAL, 17-19, GALERIE D’ORLÉANS | MAI 1869 || ; t.p. similar with no dash between 17 and 19 in the bottom. Pagination: [1-5] 6-151 [1]; collation: 8vo, [1]8 2-98 103; 23 x 14 cm, publisher’s lettered blue paper wrappers. Printer: Dubuisson et Cie (Paris). Vitu, Auguste-Charles-Joseph (French, 1823 – 1891) -
Hand-coloured woodcut on wove paper, 610 x 390 mm; black ink stamp “5207” to reverse, attached to a larger sheet of thick paper with a red ink stamp: “COLLECTION JEAN-CLAUD LACHNITT | REPRODUCTION INTERDIT”. Top: Baptême de S. A. le PRINCE IMPÉRIAL. 14 Juin 1856; image of baptism of Prince-Impérial; two-column text with a small loss in the lower left corner (C'est à cinq heures du soir que le cortège impérial quitta le Palais des Tuileries. De nombreux escadrons de cavalerie, musique en tête ouvraient la marche. ...); bottom under the text: "Fabrique d'Images de GANGEL, à Metz." — "49". -
Hand-coloured woodcut on wove paper, 460 x 363 mm; black ink stamp “5054” to reverse. Four tiers with groups of people dressed in uniform, captioned: Bedeau — Suisse — Chanoines — Évêque — Porte croix — Évêque — Cardinal — Cardinal | Généraux français — Le prince Napoléon — L’Empereur et l’Impératrice — Marraine — Le Prince — Parrain | Meur l’Archevêque | Porte crosse Diacre servant | Préfet — Sénateur — Conseiller de cour — Président — Dames de la cour — Gral Piémontais — Chef arabe | Aide-de-camp de l’Empereur — Chambellan de l’Empereur — Ministre d’état — Ambassadeur de Turque | Ambassadeur d’Angleterre — Ambassadeur d’Autriche — Ambassadeur de Russie — Ambassadeur de Prusse — Gral anglaise — Lord anglais || Bottom left: Imprimerie Lith. de Pellerin, à Épinal; right: Propriété de l’Éditeur. — Déposé. Jean Charles Pellerin (French, 1756 – 1836) – printer/publisher. -
NEWMaterial: Coco de Mer (Lodoicea maldivica) shell with metal chain
Origin: Likely Persia (Iran) or the Indian subcontinent
Date: 19th century
Dimensions: 205 × 135 × 100 mm
Weight: 324 gThis begging bowl (kashkul) is crafted from the shell of a Coco de Mer (Lodoicea maldivica) seed, a rare and symbolic material historically associated with mysticism and exotic origins. The natural curvature of the shell has been hollowed and smoothed for functional use, preserving its organic ridged texture on the exterior. Metal rings are affixed at both ends, supporting a linked chain handle, allowing the bowl to be carried or hung.
The kashkul was traditionally used by Sufi dervishes as a symbol of humility and asceticism, carried as a vessel for alms and spiritual offerings. The use of Coco de Mer for such objects was particularly esteemed due to its rarity, as the seed was believed to possess mystical properties and was highly valued in Indian Ocean trade networks.
- Exotic and Sacred Material—Coco de Mer was once considered a fruit from an underwater tree, enhancing its mystical reputation.
- Mystical Associations – In Sufi thought the empty bowl symbolizes detachment from material life and openness to divine sustenance.
- Trade and Status – Such bowls were often prized possessions of high-ranking Sufi masters, symbolizing spiritual authority and renunciation of worldly wealth.
While many kashkuls were crafted from metal (bronze, brass, or silver) and intricately decorated with Persian calligraphy and floral motifs, those made from Coco de Mer were rarer and more valued. The organic curves of the seed naturally complemented the aesthetic and spiritual function of the vessel, making it a highly desirable object.
This piece represents a rare intersection of natural rarity, spiritual tradition, and craftsmanship, making it a notable example of historical Sufi material culture.
See Coco de Mer Seed (Lodoicea maldivica) [VO-0474.2024] in this collection.
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NEWMaterial: Coco de Mer (Lodoicea maldivica) shell with engraved decoration, bronze chain, metal fittings, and inlaid elements
Origin: Likely Persia (Iran)
Date: 19th century
Dimensions: 270 × 150 × 130 mm
Weight: 608 gThis begging bowl (kashkul) is carved from the shell of a Coco de Mer (Lodoicea maldivica) seed, a material historically associated with mysticism and spiritual significance in Persian Sufi traditions. The exterior is intricately engraved with floral motifs, architectural elements, and figural depictions, while a bronze chain is attached via metal loops for carrying or suspension. The bowl retains its natural curvature with a scalloped rim and detailed craftsmanship.
- Floral and Botanical Motifs: Engraved sunflowers, vines, and foliage patterns symbolizing divine wisdom and enlightenment.
- Figural Depiction: One side features a standing figure in military attire, possibly a Persian warrior, historical figure, or Sufi dervish.
- Architectural Details: Arches and ornamental borders suggest Persian or Mughal artistic influences.
- Inlaid Accents: Small inlays of turquoise or glass enhance the visual appeal and craftsmanship.
The kashkul was traditionally used by Sufi dervishes as a symbol of renunciation and humility, carried to receive alms and spiritual offerings. The use of Coco de Mer, a rare and exotic material, elevated the object's status, making it a prized possession among high-ranking Sufi mystics.
Unlike plain metal kashkuls, which often bore inscriptions of Persian poetry or Quranic verses, this example features extensive figural and architectural designs, suggesting it may have been a presentation or ceremonial piece rather than a simple, functional object. The presence of a bronze chain reinforces its portability and use in daily Sufi practices.
This piece is a rare blend of natural form and intricate artistic craftsmanship, making it a significant example of Persian Sufi material culture.
See Coco de Mer Seed (Lodoicea maldivica) [VO-0474.2024] in this collection.
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Hand-coloured lithography on wove paper, 250 x 332 mm; black ink stamp “5035” to reverse. Under the frame left: "Paris, chez Riboni, éd. r. Galande, 51"; right: "Paris, lith. Bulla, Pl. Maubert, 26". Below: "BOMBARDEMENT DE SEBASTOPOL. — THE BOMBARDMENT OF SÉBASTOPOLE". Text to bottom. Printers/publishers: Antoine Bulla (fl. 1815 – 1877), François Bulla (fl. c. 1814 – 1855). -
Bronze tsuba of mokkō form with narrow slightly raised rim carved in kebori with the sea weed and inlaid with a lobster (ebi) made of copper on the face and two sea shells made of shakudo on the back. Lobster's antennae inlaid in gold, and eyes inlaid in shakudo. Ishime-ji treated surface.
Unsigned.
Late Edo period (mid-19th century). Dimensions: 76.3 x 71.1 x 3.7 mm -
An iron tsuba of oval form decorated with a water plantain (omodaka) carved in low relief and water drops inlaid in gold.
Signed: Bushū jū Masamitsu.
Bushū-Itō school.Height: 71.8; Width: 67.3; Thickness: 3.6; Weight: 96 g.
Mid to late Edo period; 18th-19th century.
There were several tsuba artists with the name of Masamitsu. The one who worked with iron and spelled [正光] is mentioned at Markus Sesko's 'Genealogies' on page 106 in Akasaka School of Edo section as Masamitsu Gorōbei , student of Tadatoki, 4th generation Akasaka master. The name is not mentioned at Torigoye/Haynes 'Tsuba. An Aesthetic Study' in the list of Bushū-Itō family masters on page 181.
