[Fine Binding | Guild of Handicraft] The Treatises on Goldsmithing and Sculpture

Cellini, Benvenuto. The Treatises on Goldsmithing and Sculpture. London: Essex House Press, 1898. Limited edition of 600 copies, of which this is #334. 11 plates with tissue guards plus 7 diagrams in the text and a press device on the colophon. The first book sold by C. R. Ashbee's Essex House Press, translated from the original Italian by Ashbee.

Bound in full brown pigskin by the Guild of Handicraft (stamp signed on rear turn-in), with a tri-leaf design in blind extending from each of the spine bands. Five bands to spine with author in gilt to second compartment. Gilt ruled turn-ins, dark green endpapers, all edges gilt. Measures approx. 8.5" x 11.5". Edges worn and rubbed, joints & spine bands rubbed (though binding solid), scratches and fading to boards. Closed splits to bottom and top 2" of rear joint, upper spine tip chipped, closed split to top 1" of front joint. Two small sticker ghosts to front pastedown, offsetting to endpapers. Small book dealer sticker to rear pastedown, above bindery stamp.