Durango

This archival, hand-sewn journal/sketchbook is made from 100 gsm, Earth-toned 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 brown and yellow cotton, and its bookmark is calfskin.  The book is half-leathered, and its boards are wrapped in a 1939 map of Mexico.  Minor conservation was required to the obverse of the map; its vintage paper and printing are intact.

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 1984, 100 peso coin from the United States of Mexico. This coin, which has expired, is actually worth more as an artifact than its face value at the time of issue. Value is in the budget of the beholder.

This book is roughly 6.5 x 10” with more than 150 blank pages.