1874 RIS PAQUOTS FAIENCE 200 LARGE COLOR PLATES NR VRARE FINE COND LIMITED EDITION 1400 MARKS 3/4 MOROCCO Start Price USD 3,000.00 Current Price USD 3,000.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, July 16, 2008 End Time Saturday, July 26, 2008 Location W. WINDSOR, VT See more about '1874 RIS PAQUOTS FAIENCE 200 LARGE COLOR PLATES NR ' Description RIS PAQUOT'S HISTOIRE GENERALE DE LA FAIENCE ANCIENNE FRANCAISE ET ETRAGERE CONSIDEREE DANS SON HISTOIRE, SA NATURE, SES FORMES ET SA DECORATION 1874 AND 1876 FIRST EDITION, LIMITED (# 109) AND SIGNED   This massive book, two volumes bound in one, is one of the most sumptuous books ever produced about ceramics and without question, the single most magnificent one dedicated to the history and appreciation of Faience.  Ris Paquot wrote other important works about faience, but those should not be confused with this much more lavish production, with its 200 brilliantly colored chromolithographs, which the title page asserts were all retouched by hand!  The plates are very large, measuring 15.5 inches by 11 inches each.  I wish I could share many more, and I would be glad to send photos of others to anyone with serious interest.  The text is also formidable, tracing the roots of faience to the classical world.  It runs 240 oversized pages, including an extensive index. This very rare and valuable book is in fine condition.  There is a lighter area surrounding a small square at the base of the spine where there might have once been a stamp of some sort.  While it is possible this suggest an ex-library status, there are no other signs, and the superior condition and integrity of the book suggest very much to the contrary.  More likely a private collector put something in the spot to mark the book.  There are light pencil marks, mainly small numbers on the plates (done by a prior owner who must have wanted to collate the plates), which should be apparent in the photos and all of which can be erased. In a few places someone wrote with what might be ink, but very discreetly, and in a manner that I don't think detracts from the book in any significant way.  There is the very occasional fox mark, and I mean, very occasional!  The three quarters morocco is fresh, with slight sunning around the spine.  Gilt lettering is bright on the spine.  The binding is in great shape, which given its weight, is remarkable.  The flypaper, etc. has gorgeous marbling.  In sum, a very special book, in a very special state. I offer this book with no reserve.  Insurance is required on shipping.  Otherwise, I am most flexible about method of shipping -- UPS, USPS, FEDEX, etc. are all fine.  Cashier's check or money order are preferred mode of payment, but Paypal will be accepted.   Place a Bid!