Coomaraswamy, Ananda K. (1877-1947)
Collection of autograph letters signed and other signed pieces
£1,008
Auction: 05 February 2025 from 10:00 GMT
Description
Comprising: 5 autograph letters signed to Gerda Hartmann of the Library of Congress, 1939-40, each on one or both sides of a single sheet of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston stationery, discussing in detail the content and publication of various books and articles by Coomaraswamy;
Card inscribed 'With the season’s greetings from Anada K Coomaraswamy Xmas 1943';
Offprint of Coomaraswamy's article ‘The Article Tree’ (reprinted from The Quarterly Journal of the Mythic Society Bangalore), inscribed ‘Miss Gerda Hartmann with the author’s compliments' on the front wrapper, and 6 further offprints and journal issues containing Coomaraswamy's work, 3 of which with Gerda Hartmann's ownership inscription;
Art and Swadeshi, Madras: Ganesh & Co., Publishers, c.1910. First edition, inscribed ‘To H. G. Wells from the author' on the half-title, above the ownership inscription ‘A. Kennard’ (possibly that of Wells's illegitimate daughter Anna-Jane Kennard, 1909-2010), 8vo, recent leatherette, 18 plates, corrigenda leaf to rear;
The Arts and Crafts of India and Ceylon. London: T. N. Foulis, 1913. First edition, inscribed ‘Dear Mr. Willing, I want this little book to contribute to your discovery of Asia, Ananda Coomaraswamy’ on the front free endpaper, 8vo, original cloth, numerous plates (15)
Footnote
Gerda Hartmann, of German origin and a graduate of the University of Kiel, was a specialist in the department of Indic studies at the Library of Congress. Her published works include ‘Symbols of the Nidanas in Tibetan Drawings of the "Wheel of Life"’ (Journal of the American Oriental Society, Vol. 60, No. 30, 1940).