Descrizione

The Psalter is probably late 19th or early 20th century, the paintings are probably later, circa 1950. Written on vellum in black and red. Between 20 and 24 lines per page, occasionally in double column but primarily in single. There are 10 original paintings painted full page on the vellum on leaves that would otherwise have been blank, 2 appear to be by one artist and the other 8 appear to be by a second artist. Additionally there is a page with a colorful magical drawing with “Harag”, an Arabic geometric design, similar designs on 10 other pages. Approx. 18 by 14 centimeters, stitch bound with heavy cord and with thick dark wood covers hand hewn. Certain pages marked with thread corner-pieces, the upper board split down the center and held together by three ties of thread through small holes, all contained in an original leather carrying case with handle. 152 vellum leaves. A very well preserved manuscript Psalter. Due to the nature of the hand-dried vellum and heavy daily use these are typically well used and seldom found in such fine condition. This item is beautifully preserved.

Anno di pubblicazione: 19th or Early 20th century


Edizione: an original manuscript of the psalter with hand-rendered full page paintings. includes the psalms of david, biblical canticles, song of songs, the praises of mary and the gate of light. all written by hand in ge’ez which remains alive today as the orthodox language of the ethiopian church. an ancient language, it was developed in ethiopia in the 4th century ad for the purpose of translating the christian texts. the text is precise and neat and this psalter is heavily decorated including 10 full page paintings.<br> the paintings are in a traditional ethiopian folk art style and are beautiful examples of ethiopian religious art. the addition of the colorful harag designs makes this an even more appealing example.