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Antique Extremely Rare Large 13th Century Antiphonal Abbey Book Binding
$400,000
£304,807.42
€351,527.09
CA$568,119.60
A$610,412.88
CHF 327,485.28
MX$7,191,367.20
About the Item
Monumental Medieval Antiphonal Book Binding with Illuminated Leaves
Austria, 13th Century
Materials: Oak wood, hand-tooled cowhide or pig-hide leather, wrought iron fittings, sheepskin, and parchment
Dimensions: Height 75 cm × Width 55 cm × Depth 12 cm; Book Binding Weight- approximately 13 kg
This monumental medieval antiphonal book binding is an extraordinary survival from the early Gothic period in Upper Austria, dating to the 13th century. It represents one of the largest known liturgical bindings of its type- far exceeding the dimensions of even the celebrated example of largest Bible ( Rissen Bibel) in the world in St. Florian Abbey ( 12th century, 66 × 46 cm)- and may be regarded as a masterwork of monastic craftsmanship from the medieval era.
Constructed from massive oak boards covered in reddish-brown, hand-tooled leather, the binding displays the structural and decorative vocabulary typical of Romanesque and early Gothic Austrian monastery workshops. The surface is adorned with a blind-tooled geometric cross and diamond pattern, while the exterior is fortified with four wrought-iron corner bosses and a large central boss with a petal-guard design (on the front and the back of the binding)- both decorative and protective features characteristic of grand antiphonals used on lecterns during choir performance. These robust iron fittings not only preserved the binding from wear but also underscored the monumental importance of the volume within the liturgical setting. On the bottom of the binding are solid wrought iron legs to protect the leather while sitting on the surface.
Inside the covers remain traces of original paste-downs and manuscript fragments, including Latin script and musical notation from the 13th century- a precious evidence of continuous ecclesiastical use. The deep patina, minor fissures, and iron oxidation patterns reveal centuries of devotional handling, lending the piece an aura of authenticity impossible to replicate.
Contained within this magnificent 13th-century binding are nine double-sided illuminated antiphonal leaves, dating from the 14th to 16th centuries, written on sheepskin and fine parchment. Each page is beautifully inscribed in black and red Gothic script, punctuated by illuminated initials in vibrant pigments. These leaves capture the artistic and liturgical evolution of three centuries of European sacred music and worship. Their inclusion within this monumental binding forms a rare synthesis of medieval craftsmanship, monastic devotion, and the living continuity of faith. The binding and the leaves are in fair/ good condition for their age and good preserved.
To present the book with the dignity and visibility it deserves, it is displayed on a custom-made plexiglass stand, specially designed to support its weight and highlight its architectural beauty. The transparent design allows unobstructed viewing of the leather, ironwork, and manuscript leaves, evoking the way the book would once have been seen and sung from upon a choir lectern.
Scholarly and Historical Significance
The book binding exemplifies the Austrian monastic tradition of the Romanesque and early Gothic periods, rooted in Benedictine and Augustinian centres such as Melk, Kremsmünster, and St. Florian Abbey. These monasteries were among Europe’s most active producers of illuminated manuscripts and bindings. Surviving examples of this magnitude and condition are exceptionally rare, as most were lost or disassembled after the invention of printing in the 15th century.
Its design and craftsmanship closely correspond to examples documented by Kurt Holter in his definitive study, Buchkunst- Handschriften- Bibliotheken (Volumes I–II), which remains the cornerstone of scholarship on medieval Central European bindings and manuscript culture.
Importance
This extraordinary 13th-century Austrian binding, enriched with illuminated antiphonal leaves from the 14th–16th centuries, unites scale, preservation, and historical resonance to a degree seldom encountered. Its materials- oak, wrought iron, and hand-dressed leather- embody the architecture and endurance of medieval monastic life.
An extremely rare item to have which fits in any kind of homes and a major conversation piece. One of a kind and a monumental artifact of exceptional rarity, integrity, and beauty- worthy of inclusion in a major museum, library, or distinguished private collection- and a tangible link to the sacred artistry of medieval Europe.
Provenance:
- Certificate from the Art Loss Register ALR Ref: S00263874
-Former private collection Salzburg, later held in Vienna, Austria
- Kurt Holter, Buchkunst – Handschriften – Bibliotheken
- Stiftsbibliothek St. Florian, Cod. XI
- Stiftsbibliothek Lavanttal, Cod. 2/3
- Stiftsbibliothek Kremsmünster, Ink. 2
- Die Buchkunst im Kloster Mondsee
-Meisterwerke der Buchkunst, St. Peter, Salzburg
- Mittelalterliche Buchkunst der Chorherrenstifte, Oberösterreichisches Landesmuseum, Linz, 1984
- Romanische Buchkunst, Stiftsbibliothek St. Florian
- Das mittelalterliche Buchwesen des Benediktinerstiftes Lambach
- 900 Jahre Klosterkirche Lambach
- Initiale aus einer Lambacher Handschrift des 12. Jahrhunderts
- Dimensions:Height: 29.53 in (75 cm)Width: 22.05 in (56 cm)Depth: 4.73 in (12 cm)
- Style:Gothic (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Ca 1280
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Doha, QA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7451247499572
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