VIZANTIYSKIE EMALI [BYZANTINE ENAMELS], in Russian [Kondakov N.P.] Istoriya i pamyatniki vizantiyskoy emali: [iz sobraniya A.V. Zvenigorodskogo] [History and Monuments of Byzantine Enamel: From the Collection of A.V. Zvenigorodsky]. SPb.: [tip. M.M. Stasyulevicha], 1892. — [8], VIII, [2], 395 pages, [1] chromolithographic title leaf, [1] frontispiece (portrait), 1-28, 13-bis, 15-bis, 20-bis [=31] leaves of illustrations: illustrations, initials; 38×31 cm.

Edition of 600 numbered copies: 200 in Russian, 200 in French, and 200 in German. Copy No. 155 of Kirill Mikhailovich Naryshkin. From the Russian-language edition, numbered and signed by A.V. Zvenigorodsky. With a portrait of A.V. Zvenigorodsky, reportedly intended only for a "close" circle. The first page, designed by architect I.P. Ropet, features a dedication to Alexander III on a silver background (printed in aluminum). The 31 chromolithographic plates depicting enamels use a specially cast font imitating the ancient Ostromir Gospel script. Other decorative elements—initials, headpieces, and tailpieces—fully replicate the style of Old Russian manuscripts. The plates of the drawings were destroyed after the book was printed. The best St. Petersburg graphic artists drew the enamels, V.V. Mate, an engraver, supervised the engraving works. The thick paper was from Strasbourg, the binding was produced by the Leipzig firm Hübel & Denck, and the illustrations were printed at August Osterrith’s lithographic establishment in Frankfurt am Main. In a publisher's full-leather binding of white shagreen with black gold embossing on a black background. On the front cover the quadrifolium is displaced, on the background of which is placed the title of the book in ligature surrounded by decorative ornamentation. On the back cover the coat of arms of the Zvenigorod princes is stamped in gold on the ornamental background. The book boards are about 1 cm thick, with embossed floral ornamentation along the spine edge. The endpapers are decorated with multicolored Byzantine patterns with gilded embossed borders. The book’s gilded edges are hand-ornamented with a geometric Byzantine pattern in green and red, while the edge adjacent to the covers is coated with aluminum paint. The dust cover is made of silk and gold brocade. The fabric was specially produced by the Moscow Alexander and Vladimir Sapozhnikov brothers' textile factory at a cost of 10,000 rubles. The bookmark is a wide ribbon of multicolored silk with silver and gold threads, embroidered with a Greek inscription from Euripides’ tragedy Erechtheus:"Unfold these speaking leaves, glorifying the wise." Collectible condition. Minor wear on the inner side of the slipcase folds. Kirill Mikhailovich Naryshkin (1854-1921) was a Russian diplomat, full State Counsellor, Chamberlain (1892), Stalmeister (1902). Served as Ambassador of the Russian Empire to Württemberg (1906-1910) and later as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Russian Embassy in Sweden. (1910-1911). After retiring, he settled in Paris but returned to Russia during World War I with his wife and his daughters. RFrom the memoirs of A.A. Ignatiev: ‘When the revolution occurred and the family was going to return to Paris, Kirill Mikhailovich did not wish to accompany it. Realising the doom of his class, he did not want to become an emigrant, took his favourite thick cane - and left Moscow on foot in an unknown direction. He apparently wanted to die in his native land. So ended the life of an old Russian Parisian’. The publication, which cost 120 thousand silver roubles, was not intended for sale. Each numbered copy was personally signed by A.V. Zvenigorodsky, indicating to whom it was dedicated. The book was sent to 18 countries, its recipients, among others, were the Paris Academy of Sciences, the National Libraries in Paris and Madrid, the Royal Library in Stockholm, Emperor Alexander III, Grand Dukes Sergei Alexandrovich, Konstantin Konstantinovich and Georgy Mikhailovich, King Carol I of Romania, King Umberto I of Italy, King Leopold II of Belgium, King Oscar II of Sweden, Sultan Abdul-Hamid II of Turkey, Emir Seyid-Abdul-Ahad Khan of Bukhara. Individual copies of the book were presented to people from Zvenigorodsky's inner circle. Those copies that still managed to get to the market were sold for 1000 rubles in gold. The book is among the most expensive books in the history of Russian printing and is the ‘crowning achievement’ of the Russian style in book publishing. In the history of European book-printing ‘Byzantine enamels’ entered as a ‘Russian miracle’ and ‘a book in princely attire’. As a scientific work, this work by N.P. Kondakov by the volume of information and presentation retains its value and relevance. A great rarity in this condition. Bibliography: N.B. No. 261; Solovyova. №100. No. 105, No. 157; Bibliochronika. Т. 1. no. 103; Gourmet Books. № 42. Paris Academy of Sciences National Libraries of Paris and Madrid Royal Library of Stockholm Emperor Alexander III Grand Dukes Sergey Alexandrovich, Konstantin Konstantinovich, and Georgy Mikhailovich King Carol I of Romania, King Umberto I of Italy, King Leopold II of Belgium, King Oscar II of Swede Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II, Emir of Bukhara Sayyid Abd al-Ahad Khan Some copies entered the market, selling for 1,000 gold rubles each. This edition ranks among the most expensive books in Russian publishing history, epitomizing the “Russian style” in bookmaking. In European bibliophilic history, Byzantine Enamels became known as the "Russian miracle" and the "book in princely attire." As a scientific work, Kondakov’s study remains a definitive reference on Byzantine enamels. A great rarity in this condition. Bibliography: N.B. No. 261 Solovyova Nos. 100, 105, 157 Bibliochronika Vol. 1, No. 103 Books for Connoisseurs No. 42