Full brown calf à la fanfare bookbinding, 1602

This 17th-century bookbinding, dated 1602, is executed in full brown calf leather. The exterior features a sophisticated à la fanfare style of decoration, a technique highly associated with the work of French royal bookbinders Nicolas and Clovis Eve, although this specific example may have been produced in Switzerland.

The sides of the volume are almost entirely covered with a central lozenge composed of intricately tooled fleurons and leafy sprays. At the center of this lozenge, there is an unidentified coat of arms. The design is further complemented by matching cornerpieces and an elaborate frame. The spine is richly gilt, and the fore-edge retains holes indicating the former presence of cloth ties. The binding measures approximately 9 x 6 1/2 inches (23 x 16 cm).

While noted for its remarkable decorative effect, the binding displays signs of age, including rubbed corners and historical restorations to the joints and spine.