Die seidenproduction der erde [The Art of Silk]

Vienna, [Lower Austrian Trade Association], 1890.
1 vol. (175 x 250 mm) of XIV, 135 p. and 1 f. Burgundy morocco, first cover decorated with a floral design surrounded by a wide frame of gilt scrolls and fillets, fillets at the corners, gilt fillets framing the last cover, orange silk endpapers and pastedowns, ribbed spine decorated with gilt fillets and dots, raised with dies between the ribs, gilt edges, in a slipcase (binding signed on the front cover, Julius Franke, Vienna).

Original edition of the German translation by Franz Bujatti.

The Rondot copy accompanied by the publisher’s gift letter, dated ‘Vienna, 5 May 1890’, signed and addressed to ‘Natalis Rondot – Château de Chamblon [Suisse vaudoise]’.

We apologize for the imperfect translation generated by Deepl for the purposes of the show.

Cyr-François-Natalis Rondot, born on 23 March 1821 in Saint-Quentin and died on 26 August 1900 (aged 79) in Lyon, was a French economist and art historian, numismatist, entrusted with several official missions abroad, and attaché to the Chinese embassy. He contributed actively to the development of the silk industry in Lyon in the 1850s and opened the Lyon Museum of Art and Industry, the forerunner of the Museum of Fabrics and Decorative Arts, in 1864.

After ending his career as an industrialist in 1869, he devoted himself to studies of art and artists. He wrote a considerable number of books, articles and notes. His Art de la soie was published in two volumes between 1885 and 1887 and was a resounding success.

This first translation of his work was published in Vienna in 1890: this copy was given to the author by his publisher, the president of the Association of Merchants of Lower Austria, which at the time encompassed the central part of Austria around the capital Vienna; it was the most developed and richest region of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

At that time, Vienna was renowned for the manufacture and trade of silk: several large houses were suppliers to the Court for ladies’ dresses, in silk or cashmere. Mulberry cultivation had begun in the 18th century, first in Hungary and on the banks of the Danube. Sericulture developed thanks to the encouragement of Maria Theresa and Joseph II, great silk connoisseurs.

Precious binding by Julius Franke (1839-1894), a Viennese bookbinder who set up in the centre of the city. His workshop was awarded the prestigious title of ‘K.K. Hofbuchbinder’ – ‘bookbinder to the royal and imperial court’.