JD

N.B. This is a commission and nfs.

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 white cotton, and its bookmark is blue satin ribbon.  Its spine is covered split French goatskin, 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 second place prize from a 1934 French dog show.  Its obverse reads: “Société Canine du Sud-Est Exposition 1934, 2me Prix.”  The second place dog is neither the top dog nor the underdog—right place, right time.

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