A large nineteenth century scrapbook (430 × 310 mm, half suede and marbled papered boards, with 140 leaves) containing 66 samples of fabric (circa 1870) mounted one to a page on 69 (almost) consecutive pages
The samples vary in size, but they must average around 40 to 50 square centimetres each; they are accompanied by extensive technical details (including threading and loom settings) handwritten, neatly and in the one hand, in Italian. One page has no sample, one has two samples, two have a sample but no explanatory text, two are blank (as are about 200 other pages in the book). Ten early entries also include detailed and really quite charming hand-drawn diagrams. The text seems to describe how to actually MAKE the cloth ... The inkstamp of 'A. Lohbauer, Buchbinder, Stüssihofstatt No. 4, Zürich' appears on the front endpaper, with '1871 / 1219' added in ink. When the item was originally purchased, we initially assumed it to be a catalogue of cloth for use by the bookbinder, but closer inspection makes this highly unlikely. For a start, many of the fabrics are far too delicate and beautiful for such utilitarian purposes. Whatever its original intended purpose, the scrapbook now takes on a much more significant role, as home to 66 exquisite jewel-like pieces of fabric upwards of 150 years old. The binding is a trifle rubbed; the contents are in superb condition.
Item #96986
Price (AUD):
$2,500.00