Megillat Ruth

(Book of Ruth)

The Project

Reflecting the story of Ruth, the facsimile is made using as many tactile, natural materials as possible. After the manuscript was scanned in high resolution, proofs were made on 300gsm Fabriano Artistico (the same paper used by the artist) and compared to the original. Any corrections were noted. New proofs were made in Italy and compared with the manuscript for final corrections.

Great care was taken printing the delicate colours on the very absorbent paper. The scribe’s calligraphy was reproduced by silk screen in order to achieve a raised and slightly glossy result, as in the original manuscript.

Binding

Together with our Italian binder, we designed a marquetry binding in wood with hand-sewing exposed on the open spine.

The design of the corn sheaves is inspired by the manuscript’s illustrations. The light-coloured wood is first cut by laser and then hand ‘shaded’ by passing through burning-hot sand. The lion, the patron’s motif, is made in a similar way as is the illustration of Ruth in three types of wood.

Commentary

Emile Schrijver a renowned specialist in the field, wrote the text of the commentary volume.

Presentation Case and Lectern

Reflecting the earthy story, we chose to cover the case in natural buckram. The title, in leather, is debossed into the case’s spine. As the case opens (see here) it converts into a lectern lined in natural suede.