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an open book with a drawing of letters and numbers on it
Premium Jeschke Jádi Auctions Berlin

Estimate €800 - €1,200
Sale commission
Description
Typography Jones, Owen One thousand and one initial letters designed and illuminated. Title page and 27 plates, lithographed in gold and colour (chromolithography). London, Day & Son, 1864. Folio. Original gold-embossed linen binding with gilt edges (worn and bumped, joints and corners restored, inner joints reinforced). Written by Owen Jones (1809–1874), one of the most influential ornamental theorists of the 19th century, this work is specifically aimed at typesetters, book artists, architects and designers, offering them a rich collection of historical and newly designed initials in the colourful decorative style typical of the period. The volume contains a lithographed title page and 27 plates on which the initials are arranged in groups, mostly against a neutral background, in varying stylistic types – ranging from Gothic and Renaissance-inspired to Oriental-inspired forms – and printed in gold and vibrant colours. Jones makes full use of the possibilities offered by chromolithography for fine lines, shading and metallic-looking gold areas, so that the letters appear like miniatures or excerpts from illuminated manuscripts, whilst at the same time clearly embodying the formal language of Victorian ornamentation. Produced by the lithographic firm Day & Son (“Lithographers to the Queen”), the volume is also a prime example of Victorian colour printing techniques. Title page and 27 plates, lithographed in gold and colour (chromolithography). This work is specifically intended for typesetters, book artists, architects and designers, offering them a rich collection of historical and newly designed initials in the colourful decorative style characteristic of the period. The volume contains a lithographed title page and 27 plates on which the initials are arranged in groups, mostly against a neutral background, in varying styles—ranging from Gothic and Renaissance to Oriental-inspired forms—and printed in gold and vibrant colours. Jones exploits the possibilities of chromolithography for fine lines, shading and metallic-looking gold sections, so that the letters appear like miniatures or excerpts from illuminated manuscripts, whilst at the same time clearly embodying the formal language of Victorian ornamentation. Owen Jones (1809–1874) was one of the most influential theorists of ornamentation in the 19th century. As a product of the lithographic firm Day & Son (‘Lithographers to the Queen’), the volume is also a prime example of Victorian colour printing technology. 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, Screenprints, Offset Prints and Photographs) applies to the final invoice amount within the European Union.
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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
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