ARABIAN NIGHTS – CARRÉ, Léon (1878-1942), artist. Le livre des mille nuits et une nuit. Translated by J.-C. MARDRUS. [Paris: G. Kadar, 1926-1932.]

One of only 50 sets on japon imperial, with the plates in three states and 12 original watercolor drawings by Carré, one in each volume. The elaborate morocco bindings are appealingly varied in each volume, most are signed by Trinckvel for Viau y Zona. This work is Carré's most famous and beloved accomplishment and this is the best possible edition, with 12 intricate watercolors bound in. The watercolors are mostly full-length portraits, such as the variations of a Scheherazade figure, and also include some set in landscapes. Each drawing is signed by the artist. This is no. 43 of 50 sets of the most deluxe limitation.

Twelve volumes, quarto (295 x 220mm). Numerous plates after Léon Carré present in three states: color, color on thin-paper and uncolored; color-printed decorations and ornaments by Racim Mohammed. Contemporary full blue morocco gilt extra, covers elaborately decorated with morocco inlaid centerpieces and corner pieces in six colors, in Islamic style; spines in five compartments with raised bands, gilt-lettered in two and with further morocco inlay in the others, turn-ins gilt and inlaid, patterned silk doublures and endleaves, marbled flyleaves all edges gilt; original wrappers bound in (light sunning to spines, vol. 10 spine tanned; minor rubbing to spine bands and spine ends, vol 7 with small damage to one panel on spine, vol. 8 with small portion of onlay peeling on upper cover); morocco-edged slipcases (light rubbing/wear, slipcases tight on vols. 11 & 12). Provenance: "A. Shaw" (bespoke binding, their name at foot of spines) – Sotheby's New York, 14 February 1986, lot 324.