Illustrated manuscript on vellum, from the Holy Scriptures. Ethiopia or Sudan, [18th century]. Ge'ez.
The manuscript features seven large illustrations in color, six of them full-page (Saint George and the Dragon, and scenes from the New Testament), and several in-text illustrations and small ornaments. Written on vellum, in an original wooden binding (several pieces of wood, conjoined with string and metal wires).
[169] ff., approx. 22 cm. Good-fair condition. Dampstains (some of them large) and other stains. Tears. Several holes to vellum. Sewing repairs to several leaves. Some scribbles. One leaf partly detached. Presumably, the manuscript survived a fire (the edges have been scorched; persistent smell of burning). A piece of fabric is attached to the margins of the first illustrated leaf. Presumably, some of the illustrations were repainted over the years. Minor blemishes to binding.
Purchased in Addis Ababa in November 2003.