Giacomo Puccini – Madama Butterfly - 1904

Rare and precious New Edition of 1904 of Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly librett o, published by G. Ricordi & C. shortly after the revision of the work presented in Brescia.
It is the first illustrated issue, recognizable by the famous cover with red dragons and a vertical cartouche in Orientalist style, one of the most iconic examples of Ricordi graphics from the early twentieth century.

This edition is particularly sought after because it represents the first definitive version of the opera, with the text stabilized after the La Scala fiasco and the subsequent revision.

Bibliographic characteristics:
Title: Madama Butterfly – Japanese Tragedy
Librettists: L. Illica and G. Giacosa
Music: Giacomo Puccini
Source material: John L. Long and David Belasco
Publisher: G. Ricordi & C.
Year: 1904 (New Edition – first illustrated printing)
Places of edition: Milan – Rome – Naples – Palermo – Paris – London – Leipzig – Buenos Aires
Format: 8vo, English-style binding
Cover: illustrated with red dragons and vertical cartouche
Printing: polychrome (black, red, blue)
Pages: complete
Language: Italian
Typographical notes: “Printed in Italy”; copyright 1904

Contents:
Original title page with the inscription “New Edition”
Ricordi rights page complete
List of characters of the definitive version
Full text of the work, with original layout and Ricordi’s characteristic decorations
Inside advertisement with:
prices in francs,
a series of L. Metlicovitz art postcards,
Verdini / Varischi, Artico & C. photographic cards

The back features a Ricordi ornamental emblem: a circular motif composed of three interlaced figures in the Art Nouveau style, inspired by stylized dragons or serpents. It is a symmetrical design, typical of Ricordi’s premium editions from the early 1900s, conceived to evoke an Oriental aesthetic without imitating authentic symbols.

Next to the emblem is the vertical cartouche “ARS ET LABOR,” Ricordi’s historic motto, printed in white on a red background. This element appears only on the more carefully produced print runs and certifies the edition’s superior quality.
Era note “Prezzo: Lire Una” on the cover.
Overall, an authentic, intact, and historically very interesting specimen.

Condition:
Original cover present, with normal yellowing and time marks consistent with age.
Small tear to the spine at the bottom (about 1 cm), stable and non-invasive.
Interior well preserved, antique paper with physiological oxidation.
Solid and complete binding.
No structural page loss.
No mold, stains, or unpleasant odors.

Collecting interest:
This edition is considered one of the most sought-after by Puccini and Ricordi collectors for:
- Illustrated cover with dragons (limited edition),
- English-style binding,
- First definitive version of the opera,
- Polychrome printing,
- Strong historical and scenic value,
- Orientalist graphics typical of 1904.
It is much rarer than loose-libretto editions and later reprints.