FR EN
1 / 2
an old red book with gold trim and a cross on the coveran old book with a cross on the front cover
Premium Jeschke Jádi Auctions Berlin

971 - Bindings Masterful ‘Reliure de Luxe’ binding, circa 1920.
See original version (German)

Estimate €700 - €900
Sale commission
Description
Bindings Masterful ‘Reliure de Luxe’ binding, circa 1920. A delicate network of gold-embossed, arched lines stretches across the entire covers, made of the finest smoothed red leather; these lines intersect at regular intervals, creating a rigorous yet highly elegant symmetry. At the junctions of these lines and along the edges are small, intricately crafted gold ornaments, reminiscent of classical and Rococo-style corner and floral motifs, which lend the whole a delicate, decorative finish. The centre of the lid is highlighted by a densely composed, cross-shaped cluster of lines and small tendril or floral motifs, which appears like a stylised monogram but clearly serves a primarily ornamental function. The precision and sharpness of the gilding, the quality of the leather and the masterful control of the curved lines point to high-quality, masterful craftsmanship by a specialist gilder. Stylistically, the binding lies between late Historicism and early Modernism: the interplay of abstract, geometrised curves combines with traditional gold ornamentation to create a luxurious yet uncluttered design. On the basis of these features, the binding can plausibly be dated to the period between approximately 1890 and 1930, with a slight inclination towards the years around 1900 to 1920, when such finely lined, decorative luxury bindings were particularly popular in the upmarket French and continental European book trade. (Spine slightly lightened; two subtle scratch marks on the back cover; front cover slightly rubbed at the edge.) Contents: Ludwig Justi, German Painting in the 19th Century. Berlin, Julius Bard, 1921. – The binding follows in the tradition of the German ‘Linienstil’ of the first half of the 20th century, associated with bookbinders such as Otto Dorfner, Ignatz Wiemeler, Otto Pfaff and Bruno Scheer. - An impressive masterful binding. Bindings. - Masterful ‘Reliure de Luxe’ binding, circa 1920. A delicate network of gold-embossed, arched lines spans the entire covers, made of the finest smoothed brick-coloured leather. These lines intersect at regular intervals, creating a strict yet very elegant symmetry. At the corners of these lines and along the edges are small, intricately crafted gold ornaments reminiscent of classic Rococo-style corner and floral stamps, lending the whole a delicate, decorative finish. The centre of the lid is highlighted by a densely composed, cross-shaped cluster of lines and small tendril or flower motifs, which resembles a stylised monogram but clearly serves a primarily ornamental purpose. The precision and sharpness of the gilding, the quality of the leather, and the masterful handling of the curved lines are indicative of high-quality, masterful craftsmanship by a specialist gilder. Stylistically, the cover lies between late historicism and early modernism: the interplay of abstract, geometric curves combines with traditional gold ornamentation to create a luxurious yet uncluttered design. Based on these characteristics, the binding can plausibly be dated to between around 1890 and 1930, with a slight tendency towards the years around 1900 to 1920, when such finely detailed, decorative luxury bindings were popular in high-end French and continental European bookbinding. This lot is subject to standard tax. A 24.95% buyer’s premium is payable on the hammer price, and 7% (Books and Art) or 19% VAT (Manuscripts, Screenprints, Offset Prints, Photographs) is payable on the final invoice amount within the European Union. This lot is subject to standard taxation. A 24.95% buyer’s premium applies to the hammer price, and 7% (books and art) or 19% VAT (manuscripts, screen prints, offset prints and photographs) applies to the final invoice amount within the European Union.
See original version (German)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale Valuable books, prints, historical photographs
Auction location
Auction time 10/24/2026 at 10:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like