Straight-Grained Leather Portfolio with Arabesque Centerpiece

1880. Full Straight-Grained Morocco. Very Good. Beautiful thin portfolio with Arabesque gilt decoration, most marked with its blindstamped centerpiece, colored mostly with gilt but touches of red, but with elaborate corner decoration as well, with two different designs depending on the corner. To which there is more decorative flourish with the perimeter border band. The interior has a simpler Pompeian red diamond pattern, the pattern blindstamped onto the leather. Unknown origin, probably French or English, and probably late 19th Century, but certainly possibly early 20th century. 39 by 28.5 cm, when closed. When open, 39 by 57 cm. The front of the portfolio is a green while the rear, a blue. The difference between the two is the outcome of sunning, but the full coverage of each color on the particular board has a rightness about it, in our view, and is an imperfection that we would not have any other way. The green of the front is not entirely even, and while we find this more than acceptable, it is certainly not by design either. There are a plethora of light scratches and abrasions on the leather, none of which are disconcerting to us, but certainly not pluses either. Plus a few stains, generally ink stains, a result of its use undoubtedly. (Inventory #: 20014)