ASIT KUMAR HALDAR
By James H. Cousins with annotations on the plates by Ordhendra Coomar Gangoly
[Modern Indian Artists, Volume Two]
Printed on laid paper with deckled edges
Printed and published by Harimohon Mukhurji at the Clive Press, Calcutta
1923
pp. viii, 42 + 5 colour plates [one folding] and 20 photogravures, each with tissue guard bearing the title in red. Sepia plate of Dancing Apsara in text. Corrigendum sheet included.
Printed on laid paper and bound in beige paper-covered boards with parchment spine carrying leather title-ticket. B&W portrait of Haldar pasted on cover with the title embossed in gilt.
After Mazumdar and Haldarthe series was discontinued.
CONDITION: A lovely copy except for the soiled covers
Size: 10 x 8 inches
In 1920 a journal titled Rupam was started by the Indian Society of Oriental Art based in Calcutta. Its editor Ordhendra Coomar Gangoly was a big promoter of the Bengal School artists. He decided in 1923 to launch a series titled "Modern Indian Artists" in a limited edition which seemed to spare no expense in terms of production values. Wove paper with deckled edges, parchment spines with leather title tickets, gilt-embossments and artists' sepia portraits pasted on cover, title-pages and dedications printed in red, paintings printed in sepia photogravures or in colour in which case they were tipped on to thick grey sheets with tissue guards bearing titles in red, and printing done on handpresses with fancy typefaces were the hallmarks of these volumes. The series was supposed to cover a number of artists but the project was abandoned after only two volumes had come out. The first volume was on Kshitindra Nath Mazumdar [mis-spelt Khsitindra on the title-page which was replaced with a corrected title-page only after some copies had sold] and the second on Asit Haldar. The latter was even more lavish and larger than the first volume and signified Gangoly's increasing faith in the merits of the artists he had chosen to promote. Both the volumes are included in this sale.
This lot will be sold in "as is" condition.
There may be some minor tears/creases scratches, or holes commensurate with age that may not be visible in the images.
The books on sale in this auction are rare, out-of-print and otherwise collectible, dating from the 19th century on wards. The technology and material for printing and binding books has evolved over the last few centuries. From being the exclusive preserve of Clergy and Kings to an item of everyday application, the availability and use of books has also evolved over time. Books age over time and deterioration in a book's condition depends on many factors, including the original materials used and conditions of usage over time. Books will often show signs of foxing, fading, shelf-ware or dust jacket damage through usage. Prolonged storage may also cause wormhole damage or water stains.
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Storyltd shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.