Unique Portfolio of 10 Signed Platinum Prints by Eikoh Hosoe
Includes Prints from Barakei (Killed by Roses), Man and Woman, and Embrace
Mint Condition
History: In 2006, renowned fine press photography book publisher 21ST Editions released Flowers of Evil. This oversized handmade book, in an edition of only 60 copies worldwide, featured the poetry of Charles Baudelaire and was illustrated with 10 bound original platinum prints of some of Japanese master photographer Eikoh Hosoe’s most classic and sought after images. Each of these bound platinum prints were personally initialed in pencil by Eikoh Hosoe, and the book itself was to go on to win a 2007 Bronze IPPY (Independent Book Publisher) Award for Best Books Arts Craftsmanship.
In December of 2006, 21ST Editions publisher Steven Albahari gave Lance Speer, then the Director of Marketing and a senior member of the 21ST Editions staff, a portfolio of 10 free-standing platinum prints from the Flowers of Evil book project, and each of these particular photographs were fully signed (as opposed to only initialed as found in the books). Offered here is this set of 10 pristine, fully signed, free-standing platinum prints in a custom 21ST Editions portfolio case, as originally delivered to Lance Speer. The majority of the photos are 7" X 10" with one being 7" X 7". They are mounted into clear archival corners onto 8.5” X 10” archival mat boards. To his knowledge, Speer’s set of 10 fully signed platinum prints is unique in the world.
Condition: All 10 of the original signed platinum prints are in perfect condition as is the accompanying 21ST Editions portfolio case.
Provenance: These platinum prints were in the possession of Steven Albahari, the publisher of 21ST Editions books, until their delivery to Lance Speer in December of 2006, when they were given to Mr. Speer as a holiday gift. All 10 platinum prints have been in the direct possession of Lance Speer since December, 2006. This print portfolio will be supplemented with the original advertising ephemera that was created by 21ST Editions to announce the availability of the Flowers of Evil book. Overall this is an excellent and unique set from the personal collection of a member of 21ST Editions’ original “inner circle.”
Photographs of the portfolio case, several of the platinum prints, a photograph of Eikoh Hosoe signed one of the photographs, the marketing ephemera, and the Letter of Provenance appear below. Please note that although the photographs appear digitized as thumbnails, they are viewable in the photo viewer by running your mouse over the thumbnail. You can also click on the thumbnail to open a separate window where the pictures are viewable as a slideshow.
