Art Industriel: L'Ornement Des Tissus: Recueil Historique et Pratique, Avec Des Notes Explicatives et Une Introduction Generale

Paris: Ducher, 1877. Folio. (15 3/4 x 11 1/4 inches). [iv], 38, [2] pp. illustrated with 100 chromolithographic plates, each with separate text explanation page. Quarter dark green morocco and marbled paper boards, spine with raised bands forming six compartments, lettered gilt, marbled endpapers

A high point of chromolithographic printing and a foundational text in the field of textile history, celebrating the world’s most beautiful fabrics.

This monumental compendium of historic fabric ornamentation by Auguste Dupont-Auberville is one of the 19th century's most beautiful and ambitious contributions to the decorative arts. Spanning (truncated) ancient Egypt and Persia to the opulent silks of Louis XV, this lavish work presents exquisitely produced chromolithographic plates, many printed in gold and silver, capturing the splendor and technical mastery of textile design across centuries and cultures. More than a mere aesthetic survey, L'Ornement des Tissus was conceived as a practical resource for industrial designers and textile manufacturers during the French decorative arts revival. Its plates are accompanied by explanatory texts and an extensive introduction outlining the historical and stylistic evolution of woven and printed ornament. (Inventory #: 42236)