“THIS FASCINATING PRODUCT OF THE POTTER’S SKILL”
SOLON, M[arc-] L[ouis]. A History and Description of the Old French Faïence. London et al.: Cassell, 1903. Octavo, mid-20th century three-quarter brown morocco gilt, raised bands, marbled boards and endpapers, top edge gilt. $450.
Limited first edition, number 125 of 1200 copies, illustrated with 24 color photographic plates and 52 black-and-white photographic plates, handsomely bound by Zaehnsdorf.
"The best survey of the whole subject" (Britannica). A French-born artist who introduced the ceramic decoration technique pâte-sur-pâte to Britain, Solon "and the assistants he trained produced many items which are now acknowledged masterpieces, including Queen Victoria's Jubilee Vase. Solon's decoration has been described as 'a curious blend of fantasy, Renaissance and Classical styles and discreet eroticism" (Stoke-on-Trent Biographies). In these pages—generously illustrated with 76 photographic plates, two dozen of which are in color—Solon expounds upon not only the history of old French faïence painting but also its revival in his own day.
Boards lightly rubbed. An about-fine copy, handsomely bound.