Book - Poems of Koronghi Lippich, Elek. Budapest, 1903

Library / Book Art Collection

Accession Nr.: 51.648.1
Artist/Maker:
Körösfői Kriesch, Aladár (1863 - 1920) / illustrator
Nádler, Róbert (1858 - 1938) / design for bookbinding
Nagy, Sándor (1869 - 1950) / illustrator
Date of production:
ca. 1904
Inscription: az első táblán, lent: NR
Materials: calfskin; horn; paper
Techniques: strap clasp; with batik decoration
Dimensions:
height: 21,5 cm
width: 17,4 cm
thickness: 4,2 cm
The decoration of the front and back boards are identical, pierced by a double strap at the top and bottom quarter. The two outer straps run along the plates, with a curved, horn buckle at one end and a looped strap on the other one. The two inner straps connect the edges of the plates. The batik decoration placed between the two strap-lines was apparently inspired by Hungarian folklore motifs: the inner third of the plates are filled with mount-like shapes, placed beside each other, ending in stylized flowers. The flower motifs are repeated separately in two further rows. The smooth spine bears the whole title. The endpaper is decorated with cloud pattern, with linen joint. The head edges are gilt.
Contemporary sources mention this piece as the “first Hungarian art book”. This ornamental binding was made, according to the ex libris, for the author himself.

Literature

  • Szerk.: Szilágyi András, Horányi Éva: Szecesszió. A 20. század hajnala. (Az európai iparművészet korszakai.). Iparművészeti Múzeum, Budapest, 1996. - Nr. 9.231 (Prékopa Ágnes)
  • Szerk.: Lovag Zsuzsa: Az Iparművészeti Múzeum. (kézirat). Iparművészeti Múzeum, Budapest, 1994. - Nr. 287.