It was, in fact, lotted with works by John Donne and Ben Jonson (an unsold collected works) in the 17th century section of an English literature sale held by Sotheby's in July, although the more cynical might feel this was more to bulk out or add strength to a section that would otherwise have amounted to just an unlucky 13 lots.
The full title explains that it offers ...a Compleat Discovery of those Arts. With the best way of making all sorts of Varnish for Japan, Wood, Prints or Pictures. The method of Guilding, Burnishing, and Lackering, with the Art of Guilding, Separating and Refining Metals and of painting Mezzo-tint Prints and this is the work that effectively introduced these processes to western craftsmen and, through their clients, brought great changes in English tastes and decorative styles.
To the descriptions of techniques are added a suite of 24 engraved plates of Oriental designs, but owing to author's suggestion that these be removed and used as models or transfers, complete copies such as this are rarely found. Sent for sale from Invercauld Castle in Aberdeenshire, this copy, in slightly bowed and rebacked but contemporary calf binding, has three pages of contemporary notes tipped in at the end, including 'Directyions for makeing of paste for pasteing upon cloth or paper & for changeing of prints".
This copy sold for £6000 (Shapero) but I am sure that I remember writing - not too long ago - about a copy that had belonged to John Evelyn and contained his own additional notes. Perhaps it was something else altogether, but if anyone does recall such a volume, I should be pleased to have my memory cells recharged!
