(Fine-Binding) (Pyrographic engraving) Le Travail artistique du cuir. La pyrogravure (1903)

Paris: Librairie Renouard, H. Laurens, 1903. 1st edition. Leatherbound Hardcover with pyrographic decoration. very good/no dj as issued. Art Nouveau leather binding with pyrographic decoration.
-- Paris, Librairie Renouard, H. Laurens,, 1903, Leatheround hardcover

1st edition, very good

Le travail artistique du cuir - La pyrogravure, Librairie Renouard, H. Laurens, Paris, 1903. IN FRENCH. Octavo 9" x 5.5" (22.5 x 14 cm) ; 70 + 86 pp.

Remarkable art binding, unsigned but of exceptional workmanship.

Contains two first-edition monographs on leatherwork and pyrography. Decorated with 40+50 unpublished drawings by the author, reproduced in black in the text.

Splendidly executed Art Nouveau binding in full contemporary brown morocco, the front cover decorated with two mosaic pieces in light brown leather, the first with a pyrographed floral decoration, the second with a monogram in embossed leather in a medallion, all accompanied by a gilded composition of flowers and interlacing fillets. Smooth spine with gilded decoration and title. Cold-stamped back board, framing fillets. Chased and gilded top edge.

In very good condition, slight defects (spine faded, rubbing to headpieces, corners and ends of spines). Fresh interior, publisher's paper yellowed with here and there some fine, not serious foxing.

"As far back as we know the decorative arts, we have observed that man has known how to use fire to engrave. The pyrographic techniques described in these pages are the modern evolution of that knowledge. In six chapters: tools, materials, the process, the different subjects to be dealt with, pyrography in decorative art, (...) Jean Closset shares his art, techniques and experiences with us.