Die Pilgerfahrt der Blumengeister by Adolf Böttger (The Pilgrimage of the Flower Spirits) 1854 – With 36 Hand-Colored Plates After Grandville

By Adolf Böttger

Illustrated after Grandville

Published 1854
Friedrich Fleischer, Publisher/Leipzig

A radiant jewel of 19th-century German decorative publishing, Die Pilgerfahrt der Blumengeister (The Pilgrimage of the Flower Spirits) by Adolf Böttger is a visual and poetic celebration of nature and fantasy. This 1854 edition, printed in Leipzig by Friedrich Fleischer, features 36 hand-colored plates inspired by the imaginative style of J.J. Grandville meaning hand-colored reproductions of Grandville’s original plates used in Les Fleurs Animees. 

Bound in stunning deluxe red cloth with elaborate gilt stamping on both spine and boards, the design features an ethereal flower fairy amidst a flourishing tangle of gilt-embossed blossoms and foliage. The spine, equally ornate, bears a gilded illustration of a flower spirit in motion—one of the finest examples of Romantic cartonnage illustration from mid-19th century Germany.

Gilt edges. All hand-painted illustrations with tissue guards. Very light foxing to some pages. Gilt remains vibrant and striking. Corner of right top board with rubbing.

Inside, the enchantment continues with poetic text in German and sumptuous chromolithographs, each portraying anthropomorphic flower spirits dressed in botanical costume—violets, snowdrops, tulips, narcissus, and more—each scene brimming with allegory, charm, and fine detail.

Condition: Very good.

Rare Book

Dimensions: 6 1/2 x 9”

This is a book that bridges poetry and art, nature and imagination. The fusion of fairytale illustration, floral symbolism, and masterful printing makes this a perfect treasure for collectors of Victorian gift books, botanical illustration, or romantic era fairy lore. A rare survival in such beautiful condition.