246 - LOUANDRE (Charles) & SERÉ (Ferdinand). *Les Arts somptuaires: A History of Costume, Furnishings, and Related Arts and Industries*. Paris: Hangard-Maugé, 1857–1858.

LOUANDRE (Charles) & SERÉ (Ferdinand). *Les Arts somptuaires: A History of Costume, Furnishings, and Related Arts and Industries*. Paris: Hangard-Maugé, 1857–1858. 4 large quarto volumes (2 volumes of text and 2 atlas volumes), green shagreen, richly decorated ribbed spines, broad gilt decorations framing the covers with Maltese crosses in the spandrels, double gilt fillet on the edges, broad gilt interior lace, red edges with gold-chiseled Maltese crosses (contemporary binding). The illustrations consist of 2 frontispieces and 322 chromolithographs mounted on tabs. The text of Volume 1 covers the history of costume and furnishings. Volume 2 provides valuable insights into civil and military architecture, furnishings, costumes, ceremonial practices, and the customs of early Christian society from the 6th through the 17th centuries. In this volume, the author explains the 322 plates found in the two atlas volumes (with numerous references to other works). A superb copy in a full period binding adorned with Maltese crosses on the spines, in the corners of the covers, and on the edges. Minimal foxing.