Inks and colours in the Syriac manuscript 59 in the Oriental Library of Saint Joseph University in Beirut

Although the Syriac manuscript 59, a grammar dating from the 18th century, is a work of study, the book is no less fascinating for its decoration and illuminations. The volume, which belongs to the Oriental Library of Saint Joseph’s University in Beirut, was entrusted to the Beit Gazo Centre for restoration, which took place in October 2023. The project provided an opportunity to take a closer look at the materials, inks and colours used to copy the text and execute the illumination. Although the book contains no gold ink, which might indicate high patronage, the richness of the illuminations and the quality of the writing nevertheless suggest that the book was created by an enlightened and talented scribe.

To read the complete post click here