Cypriot Diplomat

This archival, hand-sewn journal/sketchbook is made from 100 gsm, antique white Hahnemühle Ingres mouldmade paper from Germany, sewn with Irish linen thread in the linked stitch pattern that dates back at least to the Ancient Copts.  It allows the book to lay open easily to any page.

 This book’s endbands are blue and gold silk, and its bookmark is dark blue satin ribbon.  Its spine is covered in Dubletta cloth from the Netherlands, and its boards are wrapped in a paper that was hand-marbled by Betty Caponi in Monte San Giusto, Italy.

 Treasure binding began with monks in the 6^th Century who would encrust volumes with jewels. During the Renaissance, there was a resurgence in treasure binding. This is a contemporary revival of the treasure binding in which a lucky charm has been embedded in the cover of this book.  

 The talisman in this book is a 1963, 5 mils coin from Cyprus. Commanderia, the world’s oldest wine label, originated in Cyprus. It is believed to have been the libation at the wedding of King Richard the Lionheart. 

This book is approximately 6.5 x 9.5” with a few more than 150 blank pages.