1850s Parioissien Romain | Hand-Painted Gauffered Edges w/Clasp

Paroissien Romain. Printed by Thomas et Pierron, Nancy, France. Published 1850s-1860s. France Language.

This rare edition features a black leather cover with raised linework on the front and back covers, metal edging framing the front and back covers, a gold-tone metal clasp with a circular, shield-like design; all page edges are gold-gilt and feature a gauffered design of leaves and flowers with hand-painted blue and red accents. 

Gauffering involves heating small tools and manually stamping intricate, repeating indentations into the page edges. In this case, an artisan then used micro-brushes to paint colored enamels or lacquers inside the pressed indentations. The design features rich cobalt blue and ruby red flowers accented by gilded leaves.

87 mm W x 122 mm H. 864 pages.

Condition: Marks to the cover and spine, paint faded in spots, discoloration on interior endpapers (likely from glue reacting with metal tarnish), some foxing throughout, and some wear to the hinges. Good condition and very solid when clasped.  

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