SAMAIN, Albert, and CHESSA, Charles. *Le Chariot d'or*. - Lot 280

SAMAIN, Albert, and CHESSA, Charles. *Le Chariot d'or*. The first copy (No. 2) on large Japanese paper of this precious collection of Symbolist poems illustrated by Charles Chessa and complete with its two sets of etchings, in a mosaic morocco binding signed by Henri Blanchetière. Paris, A. Ferroud - F. Ferroud, 1907. Quarto, peacock-blue morocco, spine with four false raised bands adorned with the title in gold lettering, central panel featuring a mosaic moon surmounted by gilded stars forming the constellation of the Big Dipper; front cover adorned with the same astral motif along the lower margin; interior border of peacock-blue morocco leather decorated witha set of gilt fillet borders with mosaic roses at the corners, silk endpapers and linings with large blue floral motifs, double endpapers, double gilt fillet on the edges, guilloché caps, covers and spine preserved, in a bordered slipcase. Binding by Henri Blanchetière. 146 pp., 27 etchings. Some scuffing on the raised bands, retouched in places; some signs of wear on the slipcase. A rare first copy (No. 2) of this bibliophile edition of Albert Samain’s (1858–1900) major collection, a “heroic symphony” illustrated with 27 etchings by Charles Chessa. Limited edition of 250 copies; this one is among the first 80 numbered copies, printed on large-format Japanese paper, containing three states of the etchings. Complete with the subscription slip bound at the end. “Early spring evenings: unspoken tenderness… In the warmth of the breeze, a loosened scarf... An ethereal caress... Mysterious incense... An urn that an angel’s hand tilts at the edge of the heavens...” (Spring Evening, p. 17). The set is beautifully bound by Henri Blanchetière, a Belle Époque bookbinder whose work here extends Albert Samain’s Symbolist legacy and evokes dreams and imagination through the inclusion of mosaic-like, gilded crescent moons and constellations. The provenance is also impressive: Raymond Fischof (1905–1980), a philanthropist whose extensive collection of art objects was sold in 2024 by the Osenat auction house (ex-libris opposite the first color endpaper). A fine copy.