Emperor

This archival, hand-sewn journal/sketchbook is made from 80 gsm Mohawk Superfine archival paper stitched with Irish linen thread in the linked pattern that dates back to the ancient Copts. This stitch allows the book to lay open easily at any page.

 This book’s endbands are black and white cotton, and its bookmark is black satin ribbon.  Its spine is covered in black lambskin, and its boards are wrapped in paper that was hand-marbled by Regina and Daniel St. John at Chena River Marblers in Amherst, MA.

 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 journal is an ancient Roman coin found in Italy during the 20^th Century.  It is believed to date from the 8^th Century B.C.E., the “dark ages” in Europe. This coin has lived in the pockets and pouches of many, and now it is yours.

This book is roughly 6 x 9” with a few more than 150 blank pages.