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34 - BÉDIER (Joseph) and LALAU (Maurice). The Romance of Tristan …
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Estimate €1,200 - €1,500
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Description
BÉDIER (Joseph) and LALAU (Maurice). The Romance of Tristan and Iseult. An exceptional copy on Japanese paper of this deluxe edition, illustrated in the first edition by Maurice Lalau, in an impressive binding by Robert Vits, adorned with superb embossed leather panels created by Madame Claes. Paris, L'Édition d'Art H. Piazza et Cie, In-4 (235x300 mm), full tinted calfskin, large embossed leather panel painted with the effigies of the eponymous protagonists at the centre of the front cover, with a painted embossed band at the foot of the decoration, a four-lobed floral plaque and the same painted band on the back cover, spine with cold-stamped raised bands, painted floral motifs within a cold-stamped frame between the bands, inner edge of the same calfskin set with a painted frieze and signed ‘Robert Vits’, linings and endpapers of wood veneer, double endpapers of marbled paper, edges gilt on endpapers, covers and spine preserved, box edged and signed (Robert Vits). 214 pages, 20 colour plates by Maurice Lalau, reproduced in colour and mounted, 19 large initials decorated in black and red and 19 wood-engraved tailpieces by Maurice Lalau. Spine sun-faded, slight rubbing on some edges, very slight scuffs on the back cover. A splendid edition of literature’s most legendary love story, here adapted by Joseph Bedier and illustrated in the first print run with 20 charming colour compositions by Maurice Lalau (including the frontispiece), all signed, dated 1908–1909, and protected by captioned borders, as well as 19 large initials decorated in black and red and 19 wood-engraved end-papers by Maurice Lalau. Limited edition of 300 copies on Japanese paper, numbered and signed by the artist; this is No. 236. [Carteret IV, 382] A remarkable binding by Robert Vits, adorned with sumptuous embossed leather panels by Madame Claes, one of which, inspired by Art Deco, depicts Tristan and Isolde on the front cover. A similar binding was exhibited by Robert Vits at the Brussels exhibition of Graphic Arts of the Book held from 29 May to 23 June 1948.
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About the sale Fine antique and collectible books, manuscripts and modern illustrated works
Auction location
Auction time 06/29/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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