Title: Morgens-Gebether. German Manuscript Book of Prayer, Circa 1750. Beautiful Calligraphy and Detailed Initials
Author: Nivard Kraysig
Condition: Good
A charming 18th century German manuscript, also known as a gebetbuch.
The text is written in a flowing, if somewhat scrawly, Kurrent script, using black ink. There are large, opulent calligraphical headings, mostly in red, but also in gold ink at times as well. The decorations are mostly limited to large graphic initials and intertwined lines in the shape of a heart and geometric patterns on a few pages.
The writer on of this manuscript is named on page 513, one Nivard Kraysig. The inscription is as follows: "I wrote this book with joy and love. Whoever prays it diligently should also think of Nivard Kraysig.
Though the date of production is lacking, the binding and script would suggest that the manuscript was written sometime during the second half of the 18th century, with the French styled tooled binding appropriate of the period, and the decorations more reminiscent of 18th century French printed head and tail pieces.
There are a few empty pages at the end with notes in a later hand, with dated between 1813 and 1855.
There is a watermark that can be seen at page 518, though not identified.
Behind page 44, 15 additional leaves have been inserted in a slightly different script, though clearly trying to stay in line with the main manuscript.
12 leaves are lacking, being the title page, 45-46, 57-58, 73-76, 185-186, 235-236, and 279-280
One finely bound manuscript in quarto, 493 of 517+12 pages
This manuscript is in good shape, the binding heavily rubbed and worn, some with leather loss, notably to the hinges. One of the cords to the rear board is broken, the board loosened, but holding. There is some soiling and staining throughout, heaviest to the first and last leaves.