SAUVAGE, Sylvain. SAMAIN, Albert. ~ Contes. Xanthis, Divine Bontemps, Hyalis, Rovère et Angisèle.
This copy hors commerce, reserved and inscribed on the limitations page by Sylvain Sauvage for Pierre Bellanger and corresponding with the 10 copies on Japon with an original signed pencil and watercolour drawing an unused plate inspired by the drawing, a suite of progressive proofs, and a suite of the plates in sanguine and one in black, (the latter isn’t mentioned in the limitation) 25 delicately coloured copper engravings by Sauvage including 5 in the text. Sm. 4to., in the original wrappers with colour copper plate by Sauvage on upper cover, housed together with the suites in the original blue cloth backed, blue paper covered chemise and slipcase. Slipcase and chemise with a little rubbing to edges, title written in ink on the chemise, the book and plates are in splendid condition.
A beautiful example of Art Deco illustration, one of a very few printed on japon and this copy enriched with an unexpected extra suite in black, the inscription to the journalist Pierre Bellanger and two extra autograph notes by Sauvage on his headed paper one a handwritten receipt with a hand drawn and coloured ‘stamp’ to Bellanger the other written in pencil describing this copy.
Carteret describes this book has a ‘belle édition recherchée et cotée’. It is certainly delicately and superbly illustrated.
Sylvain Sauvage (1888-1948), whose real name was Felix Roy, was an illustrator and engraver who published his own artist’s books with the imprint of his home in Paris as well as creating illustrations for other publishers.