Collection de Faïences: Three sectional title pages: Faïences Patriotiques, and Porcelaines et Faïences Genres Divers, and Marques des Porcelaines et Faïences

Half Morocco. Marbled boards. . Very Good. Beautiful manuscript of watercolored renderings of faïence designs, 78 in all. N.d., 19th century. Oblong, 15 by 27.5 cm. Unpaginated. First section, title, followed by 30 pages, with two plate designs per page on all but two pages, for a total of 58 plate designs from the Revolutionary Period in France. Second section; title, followed by 18 pages, most with a single design. Third section: title, followed by 30 pages, with many marks shown, and the cursive text, in a calligraphic hand. Artist is anonymous. We presume the initials on lower spine of A. G. are those of the artist and creator of this album. The artist here was working essentially in the realm of miniature painting, at which he clearly excelled. Not only are the many faience pieces replete with representational and ornamental artwork, but also, the first two title pages are rich in colorful borders enlivened with charming vignettes. Captured here stunningly is the essence of faience styling, and the narcotic-like enchantment it can have on its passionate collectors. While ceramic products were regarded as luxury products into the nineteenth century and were thus collected even at the time they were first being manufactured, this album was created at a time when there was a surge of interest in the decorative arts of the past. Condition: moderate wear to binding