Widely considered one of the loveliest books of the Art Deco period. HERMANT, ABEL. 1862-1950. Phili ou par-dela le bien et le mal. Illustrations de Brunelleschi. [Paris], Éditions de la Guirlande, 1921. Large 8vo (278 x 189 mm). 12 hors-texte plates and numerous in-text illustrations, vignettes, and initials by Umberto Brunelleschi, all masterfully colored by hand using the pochoir (stencil) process in the ateliers of Jean Saudé. As issued, loose in signatures. Original cream paper wrappers, front cover printed in black and green. Entirely uncut, with deckle edges preserved. Housed in a red clamshell box. FIRST EDITION, limited to 275 numbered copies, SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR on the leaf following the title page, this being copy number 215 of 250 printed on fine papier vergé d'Arches. Abel Hermant's whimsical, gently satirical moral tale Phili-a playful nod to Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical framework-found its perfect visual counterpart in the work of the Italian-born master Umberto Brunelleschi (1879-1949). Having established himself as a preeminent costume and set designer for the Folies Bergère and La Scala, Brunelleschi brings a distinctive, theatrical opulence to these pages. His elongated figures, stylized drapes, and commedia dell'arte undertones epitomize the peak of the French high-art revival following the First World War. The production value of this edition represents a masterclass in collaboration. Published by Éditions de la Guirlande-the highly exclusive imprint born out of the luxury literary magazine of the same name-the work features meticulous pochoir stencil coloring by Jean Saudé. Saudé was arguably the period's most celebrated master of the medium, utilizing numerous hand-cut metal stencils per image to layer pure, opaque gouaches. The resulting plates mimic the fluid brilliance of original watercolors. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing