Leeteg of Tahiti: Masterpieces on Black Velvet (Signed)

Privately Printed for Bernard Davis, 1969. Hardcover. Very Good. Collectible first edition, first - and only - printing of noted Edgar Leeteg art dealer and agent Bernard Davis' Leeteg of Tahiti. "First edition 1969" so stated on copyright page. Davis partnered for many years with Leeteg in marketing many of his velvet paintings, over 1700 at the time of Leeteg's death, and becoming, along with Leeteg, wealthy during the Tiki craze of the 1940's - 1960's. Called the "Remington of the Seas" by James Michener, the American Gaugin by Bernard Davis, and the Father of Modern Velvet Painting, Leeteg stands head and shoulders above almost every competing velvet painter, past and present, his Polynesian themes with beautiful, Tahitian women and, less so, warriors masterfully accomplished. Values of Leeteg's paintings, though selling for many thousands in his lifetime, dropped in value from the 1970's until recently, but now enjoy a resurgence that has put them out of reach for many collectors. Lang's personal copy. Inscribed and signed by Davis on blank facing copyright page to early film maker, actor (Hong Kong Nights, et al) and pioneer transcription producer who rubbed shoulders with Hollywood's brightest stars Freeman Lang thus: "To My "Aikane" Freeman Lang | one of us! | Barney." And "This book is | especially dedicated | to you with | a warm personal Aloha | Barney Davis | & Diana on your 5th Anniversary | Barney." Inscriptions and signatures unconditionally guaranteed to pass any COA examination. Note that Davis' use of the word "aikane" (along with "one of us!") is somewhat cryptic in that it refers to intimate relationships of men with men (or boys) in precolonial Hawaii, a common, accepted practice. No evidence was found that Davis and Lang had such a relationship. Includes numerous photos and dozens of Leeteg color plates. In laminate sleeve (as issued). 266 pp. 9" x 6 1/4". Tight, otherwise unmarked copy with minimal shelf wear and tiny nick to front panel of dust jacket's upper right hand corner. Dust jacket lightly rubbed. A very presentable copy of an increasingly important and uncommon account. Photographs of or additional information about this item are available on request. All inquiries answered promptly.