Photo Book "Comparing Prices" & Antique Belgian Bobbin Lace Linen Bookmark 2-Piece Set

A set including a photo-heavy book and an antique bobbin lace bookmark from Bruges, Belgium, received from a popular and highly-rated personal Mercari bookstore.

① Comparing Prices
Text by Takashi Okabe / Photos by Takashi Yamaide
List Price (excluding tax) ¥1300 (¥1430)
Publisher: Tokyo Shoseki
First Edition: August 8, 2018
Second Edition: November 22, 2019

The book is structured with two pages showing a photo and price side-by-side, followed by facing pages explaining the reason for the price difference. Additional supplementary explanations are provided on subsequent pages depending on the item.

[Foreword from the First Edition]
A highly acclaimed Visual series.
Previous books in the series have received tremendous response on TV and radio.
The series is approaching a cumulative total of 100,000 copies!
This installment compares the prices of things.
A deep dive into the mysteries that everyone wonders about.
The same item looks identical, but the prices are completely different!
The answers are clear at a glance through photos.

Cheap items have effort, expensive items have dreams.

I reconfirmed that materials and labor (time, skill, rarity, environment, etc.) are major factors, backgrounds, and roots of price differences.
I myself prioritize the quality of materials and revere craftsmanship.

Many artisans, knowledgeable shopkeepers, and R&D managers are featured, along with introductions to companies and shops.
The text is not extensive and can be read casually in an easy-to-understand style.

Although I received the book in like-new condition from the bookstore, I tend to read in my own freestyle manner without trying to keep it perfectly pristine. As a result, there are some creases from reading, marks from tucking the cover, and distortions in the cover and pages. However, there are no noticeable scratches or stains.

② Antique Bruges, Belgium Linen Bookmark

Handmade with intricate bobbin lace and a delicate fringe. The color is ecru. The monogram SSI is likely a nickname for Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary, known as Sisi.

Bobbin lace section: 16 cm
Total length including fringe: 23 cm

Elisabeth von Österreich
(German: Elisabeth von Österreich)
Born December 1837 – Died September 1898
Empress Consort of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary (and King of Hungary).
Known by the nicknames Sisi, Sissy, Sisi.

Selling as part of decluttering due to a full bookshelf.
I have few bobbin lace bookmarks left. This is highly recommended for those looking for a lovely bookmark or who appreciate practical lace items.✴