Russian Orthodox Church.

4 parts in 2 volumes, folio (307 x 187mm.), titles within woodcut borders, full-page woodcut illustrations on verso of title-pages, woodcut illustrations within text, woodcut headpieces and initials, contemporary ukrainian vellum over boards, covers tooled in gilt with ornamental roll-border and fan-shaped corner-pieces, central medallions with the Virgin and Child on upper covers and arabesque design on lower covers, spine gilt in compartments, edges gilt, brass clasps and catches with vellum straps, small marginal rust hole to Z1 of "August", small wormhole to first couple of leaves of second volume, binding slightly rubbed, gilt oxidised

Gatchina Priory Palace, booklabel on pastedowns

S.A. Klepikov, "Historical Notes on Ukrainian Bookbinding", The Book Collector, (Summer 1966), 135-142

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This is a very handsome example of mid-eighteenth century Ukrainian printing and binding. The Pecherskaya Lavra traced its origins to the foundation of a monastery in caves near Kiev in around 1051. Printing began on the site in 1615 and for the subsequent three centuries it remained an important centre of book production. Klepikov cites such Ukrainian decorated bindings as found on these volumes as evidence of the significant cultural achievements of Ukraine at the time. The building of the Pecherskaya Lavra press is currently home of the State Museum of Books and Book Printing of Ukraine.

A very crisp copy, with an excellent provenance, which seems unlikely to have had much practical use.