One of the broadest and most fascinating ranges of books, prints and art manuscripts is set to go on sale this weekend. It's all part of an event being held by Dutch based firm Adams Amsterdam auctions, which is set to see collectors competing for a truly unique range of collectible pieces.
The sale begins at 1pm on Saturday (October 2) and with such a wide range of delights on offer, here are just a few of the highlights that are sure to go down well with those in attendance.
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One such example is a rare and beautifully hand coloured book on Japanese life written during the 19th century by Johannes Gerhard Frederik van Overmeer Fisscher.
Fisscher was a Dutch civil servant who spent several years in the Deshima and Edo regions of Japan.
The book's contents focused on Japanese customs and religion as well as their dress style, way of life and the flora and fauna of the region.
The text played a pivotal role in educating Europeans in the little known world of Japan and this lot represents a very good copy for any would be collectors.
Furthermore, with an estimated price of €5,000 - €7,000 it could prove one not to miss for investors.
Elsewhere, another 19th century text focusing on Japanese ethnology by Professor Lindor Seccurier is set to impress at the auction.
The former director of the National Museum of Ethnology's work features two folding tables, one map, numerous stills and 21 chromolithographed plates in what represents a truly stunning find for anyone investing in rare books.
This good set features one table restored with tape which explains why this wonderful piece carries a relatively low estimated price of €12,500 - €14,000.
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Equally impressive, is a complete set of important avant garde Dutch arts journals published from 1918-31 by Theodorus Wijedeveld Wendingen. Set in a Japanese binding, the collection includes 6 portfolios with ties and 1 decorative cloth.
These journals feature some of the newest and most creative ideas of the era from a diverse range of artists and architects including Gustav Klimt and Erich Mendelssohn.
Apart from the usual defects expected with a collection like this (i.e. minor spine damage) this collection comes in excellent condition and carries an estimated price of €13,000 to €15,000.
The top two lots of the sale come with a very European flavour. The first is the 17TH century 3 volume large folio illustrated edition of Dutchman J.Blaeu's famous "Town-Atlas" in Dutch text.
The collection features plans and maps of all the cities and fortresses of the then Dutch Republic all in contemporary colour. In total 131 additional plates are included with 36 plates from the Speculum Zelandia including views of Utrecht and Haarlem.
This rare collection has been set a target price of €90,000 - €120,000 yet could go for even more at the final auction
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However, it will face stiff competition to be top lot at the sale, which is set to feature a Dutch literary classic.
The original 1964 manuscript of the classic "Ik Jan Cremer" autographed by Jan Cremer himself features the original designs, drawings and collages used for the cover along with a complete publicity campaign for the publication as thought out by Cremer.
The novel caused a sensation on its release, with over 12 million copies sold to date.
Described as a piece of work that goes "far beyond the literary genre" the text is seen as one of the most culturally significant works to come out of the Netherlands.
It's little surprise then to find that this book gem carries an estimated price of €200,000 to €250,000.
With these lots being just five of the seven hundred and ninety five lots available, Amsterdam could soon be gaining quite a reputation for rare book investments.
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