Sinai manuscript Greek 1583 contains music for extended melodies written in Byzantine notation in 1712. The volume was beautifully bound in tooled and gilded leather, with two metal clasps, and a raised headband and footband in the Byzantine style.
The edges of the pages were stained blue, and then stamped with alternating gilt rosettes. These display a high level of craftsmanship, but above all, they are the sign of a love for books and the wisdom they contain.
‘but above all, they are the sign of a love for books and the wisdom they contain’
So moving!
Thanks again Dear Father Justin, for sharing all this treasure with us .
Dear Father Justin,
Would manuscripts like this still come from Constantinople in 1712 or was it locally made?
Brest Regards,
Richard
The colophon informs us that the manuscript was completed on 13 March 1712 by Hieromonk Methodios from Chania on Crete, and dedicated to the monastery of Saint Catherine the virgin and all-wise, on the God-trodden Mount of Sinai. Crete would have had the paper and leather and skilled craftsmen to create such a special manuscript with its elaborate binding.
This is so beautiful. Blue and gold. May God bless and protect these manuscripts and help us to learn to love this wisdom.
What a treasure of beauty.
Stunning. Thank you for sharing.