FRANCE (Anatole) and CARUCHET (Henri). Balthasar and Queen B - Lot 148

FRANCE (Anatole) and CARUCHET (Henri). Balthasar and Queen Balkis. Original watercolors after Henri Caruchet. A very fine copy in mosaic binding by Cuzin, one of the first 50 on Japon, accompanied by a separate suite of illustrations on Chine and enriched by an original signed watercolor by Henri Caruchet. Paris, L. Carteret, 1900. In-8 (165x230 mm), raspberry morocco, large mosaic decoration framing the boards, composed of a cold fillet, a red morocco scroll, pale green morocco leaves and ecru pastilles, ribbed spine with repetition of the same decoration, cold waves on the edges, inner border in the same morocco set with a double gilt frame and green leaves alternating with gilt and mosaic flowers, signature "A. Cuzin" in the leather, moiré silk lining and endpapers with green floral decoration, double endpapers, gilt edges on witnesses, covers (the first illustrated) and spine preserved, lined slipcase (A. Cuzin). 38 pages, 34 original watercolors engraved by Ducourtioux and Huillard after Henri Caruchet, including one on the cover, a frontispiece, a title vignette, 10 headbands and tailpieces, a print justification vignette and 20 floral motif frames. First illustrated edition of this tale recounting the adventures of the Three Wise Men, decorated with 34 original watercolors by Henri Caruchet engraved by Ducourtioux and Huillard, including one on the cover, a frontispiece, a title vignette, 10 headbands and tailpieces, and 20 charming floral color frames. Limited edition of 350 copies, this one of the first 50 on Japon, nominative for Monsieur Ed. Fargeau, containing a separate suite of all the black illustrations on China paper. A precious copy with an original signed watercolor by Henri Caruchet on the title page, accompanied by an autograph letter to Ed. Fargeau. Delightful Art Nouveau binding signed by Adolphe Cuzin, in perfect condition.