Unquestionably the most beautiful of fine papers, Japon - like papier de Chine - radically differs from European papers as it is exclusively plant-based (mulberry bark or other Japanese shrubs). This thick, silky, satiny, pearly paper helps to make each page a work of art in its own right. It thus reveals all its nobility when it carries a poetic work.
In addition, its ink absorption ability and its affinity with colours make it the ideal support for artists' books and lithographs. Nearly tear-proof and almost impervious to foxing, its only flaw would be its lack of flexibility. This paper almost always requires a binding for better handling and to honour its aesthetic perfection.
First edition, one of the rare copies on Japan paper, ours specially printed for Paul Ollendorff.
Half navy blue morocco binding with corners, spine with five raised bands set with gilt dots decorated with double gilt compartments richly embellished with gilt typographical motifs as well as a mosaic piece of hazel morocco, gilt date at foot, very light traces of rubbing without consequence on the spine, double gilt fillet frame on marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, top edge gilt, contemporary unsigned binding but attributable to Lancelin.
Handsome copy agreeably bound.
Provenance: from the library of Paul Ollendorff.
First edition, one of 32 numbered copies on Japon nacré, the tirage de tête.
Illustrated covers with an original lithograph by Alberto Giacometti.
Slight worming to spine.
A good, well-margined copy.
First edition, one of 32 numbered copies on Japon nacre paper, the tirage de tête.
A fine copy.
