Lokhit Foundation

, Jaipur, India

Lokhit Foundation

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Lokhit Foundation

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Current Pieces.

Current Pieces.

Current Pieces.

Veiled Edge Collection:
The display of fore edge books.

Person wearing black clothing carrying a black tote bag with a green globe-like geometric symbol, standing against a concrete wall in sunlight and shadow.
Person wearing black clothing carrying a black tote bag with a green globe-like geometric symbol, standing against a concrete wall in sunlight and shadow.

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How we make them?

Each and every fore edge painting is sourced from local book stores. These books go through a 5 step process. Restoration, Preparation, Painting, Rebinding and Re-checking.

Local To Vocal

Local To Vocal

Local To Vocal

Reviving the Art Form

Reviving the Art Form

Reviving the Art Form

Crafted with Love

Crafted with Love

Crafted with Love

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02

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The Five Procedure.

Restoration begins with removing the original paperback covers, repairing damaged pages, and measuring the book. After that, the book is prepared by sanding the edges and fixing any remaining minor issues. Once ready, it is given to the painters, who bring it back to life. After the painting is complete, the book is rebound with a new hardbound cover, which may be leather, cloth, or standard hardboard. It is then fitted with endpapers. Finally, everything is rechecked, packaged in beautiful covers, and handed to you along with a custom bookmark.

5 Step Process

5 Step Process

5 Step Process

Handcrafted

Handcrafted

Handcrafted

Goes to Plant Trees

Goes to Plant Trees

Goes to Plant Trees

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03

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The Artists.

Without them this all couldn't be possible. In order to appriciate and promote their work each books has one of the first few pages written about them, their thought proccess behind the design as well as they are heavliy publicised on the website's newsletters and social media handles.

One Page Description

One Page Description

One Page Description

Promotion

Promotion

Promotion

FAQs.

FAQs.

FAQs.

What exactly is fore-edge painting, and how is it different from regular book art?

Fore-edge painting is a centuries-old art form where a hidden illustration is painted on the fanned pages of a book. When the book is closed, the edges may look plain or gilded, but when the pages are gently fanned, the artwork appears like a secret image. Unlike standard book illustrations, a fore-edge painting integrates directly with the physical structure of the book, making each piece unique and handcrafted.

How long does a typical project take?

We usually take around 3-4 weeks to complete the whole process for one production.

How long has fore-edge painting been practiced, and why is it considered special?

The earliest examples date back to the 10th century, but the technique became especially popular in 18th-century England, where binderies produced elaborate landscapes, portraits, and symbolic scenes. It's considered special because each artwork is hidden, personal, and discoverable only by the owner—making it one of the most intimate forms of book art. Collectors value it because no two hand-painted fore-edge artworks are ever identical.

What’s your design process like?

Every visual element, from the foundational layout to the custom graphics, is conceived and produced by hand. This ensures a truly unique, warm, and authentic look and feel. The book goes directly from the distributor to the artist.

Will the painting damage the book or affect its readability?

No. Fore-edge painting doesn't harm the text block. The artwork is applied with archival, non-bleeding watercolor that sits on the very tips of fanned pages, not on the text. Once the book is closed, the artwork becomes invisible and fully protected by the page edges or gilt. You can use the book normally with no effect on durability—fore-edge art is designed to last centuries when cared for.

How is it related to planting trees?

In our case, 100% of the profits go to planting trees. No commissions. Furthermore, making an impact with a simple purchase.

What exactly is fore-edge painting, and how is it different from regular book art?

Fore-edge painting is a centuries-old art form where a hidden illustration is painted on the fanned pages of a book. When the book is closed, the edges may look plain or gilded, but when the pages are gently fanned, the artwork appears like a secret image. Unlike standard book illustrations, a fore-edge painting integrates directly with the physical structure of the book, making each piece unique and handcrafted.

How long does a typical project take?

We usually take around 3-4 weeks to complete the whole process for one production.

How long has fore-edge painting been practiced, and why is it considered special?

The earliest examples date back to the 10th century, but the technique became especially popular in 18th-century England, where binderies produced elaborate landscapes, portraits, and symbolic scenes. It's considered special because each artwork is hidden, personal, and discoverable only by the owner—making it one of the most intimate forms of book art. Collectors value it because no two hand-painted fore-edge artworks are ever identical.

What’s your design process like?

Every visual element, from the foundational layout to the custom graphics, is conceived and produced by hand. This ensures a truly unique, warm, and authentic look and feel. The book goes directly from the distributor to the artist.

Will the painting damage the book or affect its readability?

No. Fore-edge painting doesn't harm the text block. The artwork is applied with archival, non-bleeding watercolor that sits on the very tips of fanned pages, not on the text. Once the book is closed, the artwork becomes invisible and fully protected by the page edges or gilt. You can use the book normally with no effect on durability—fore-edge art is designed to last centuries when cared for.

How is it related to planting trees?

In our case, 100% of the profits go to planting trees. No commissions. Furthermore, making an impact with a simple purchase.

What exactly is fore-edge painting, and how is it different from regular book art?

Fore-edge painting is a centuries-old art form where a hidden illustration is painted on the fanned pages of a book. When the book is closed, the edges may look plain or gilded, but when the pages are gently fanned, the artwork appears like a secret image. Unlike standard book illustrations, a fore-edge painting integrates directly with the physical structure of the book, making each piece unique and handcrafted.

How long does a typical project take?

We usually take around 3-4 weeks to complete the whole process for one production.

How long has fore-edge painting been practiced, and why is it considered special?

The earliest examples date back to the 10th century, but the technique became especially popular in 18th-century England, where binderies produced elaborate landscapes, portraits, and symbolic scenes. It's considered special because each artwork is hidden, personal, and discoverable only by the owner—making it one of the most intimate forms of book art. Collectors value it because no two hand-painted fore-edge artworks are ever identical.

What’s your design process like?

Every visual element, from the foundational layout to the custom graphics, is conceived and produced by hand. This ensures a truly unique, warm, and authentic look and feel. The book goes directly from the distributor to the artist.

Will the painting damage the book or affect its readability?

No. Fore-edge painting doesn't harm the text block. The artwork is applied with archival, non-bleeding watercolor that sits on the very tips of fanned pages, not on the text. Once the book is closed, the artwork becomes invisible and fully protected by the page edges or gilt. You can use the book normally with no effect on durability—fore-edge art is designed to last centuries when cared for.

How is it related to planting trees?

In our case, 100% of the profits go to planting trees. No commissions. Furthermore, making an impact with a simple purchase.