Jacques de Lacretelle- La Bonifas

Jacques de Lacretelle – La Bonifas
Paris, Librairie Gallimard, 1929
Bibliographical Description
Illustrated first edition.
One volume, 29 cm high x 20 cm wide.
Limited edition of 144 copies, all numbered.
Deluxe edition: Copy number 11

Old Japanese paper, hand-dyed, numbered 7 to 18,
accompanied by a suite of Old Japanese paper,
after two copies hors commerce marked E and F.

(The remainder of the edition comprises 9 copies on China paper and 120 copies on Rives vellum.)
Illustrations
Original illustrations (color lithographs), with a complete suite of Old Japanese paper included, in accordance with the announced edition.
Binding
Superb full black morocco binding signed by René Kieffer.

Covers adorned with large, gilt geometric panels in the Art Deco style.
Richly gilt smooth spine, titled in gold.
Exquisite gilt fillets and motifs.
Matching endpapers.
Gilt edges.
Binding strictly contemporary with the work.
High-quality binding, representative of René Kieffer's finest decorative work between the two World Wars.

Condition
Very fine condition.
Cool paper.
Clear and bright gilt.
A particularly well-preserved copy.
Bibliographical significance
A copy meeting all the major criteria sought:
Limited edition on Old Japan paper (only 12 copies).
Suite on Old Japan paper.
Binding signed by René Kieffer, renowned Parisian bookbinder.
Gallimard illustrated edition from the interwar period.
A truly exceptional copy, rare in this complete set, bound by a master bookbinder.

René Kieffer – Biographical Note
René Kieffer
(1875–1964)
René Kieffer is one of the most important French bookbinders of the 20th century.
Settling in Paris at the end of the 19th century, he quickly established himself as a leading figure in luxury bookbinding and the modern illustrated book.
His work is characterized by:
impeccable technical execution,
a keen sense of decorative composition,
and a perfect adaptation to the styles of his time, particularly Art Deco.
He collaborated regularly with leading publishers and bibliophiles, and created bindings for the most prestigious illustrated works of the interwar period.
Bindings signed by René Kieffer are highly sought after today and are found in major public and private collections. <!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_260207_181625_291.sdocx-->

Ref: TIP15BI6Q4