Armenia holds some of the worlds oldest illuminated manuscripts. I’ve came across quite a few online and what struck me perhaps the most is that the covers of these manuscripts are absolutely stunning as well as their contents. In this post I would like to share some of the stunning old Bible covers that I’ve collected.
An incredible tradition of repose metal work. I wonder what happened to our pre-christian metalwork?????
Well there is plenty of pre-Christian artifacts including gold, silver and bronze work, found in ancient Armenian tombs excavated by archaeologists. You can find plenty of examples here on this blog. Including coins of the Artaxiad era or even metalwork from the Araratian (Urartu) era. But as everything in life the older it gets the more difficult it is to preserve so naturally we have less artifacts that are older than 2000 years.
I was awe struck. These are quite wonderful. Thank you ever so much for sharing. God Bless
Thank you for sharing and helping us to feel proud of our identity!
Beside my site they are shared in Vartan Arev’s Site named <>. Armenians of France like very much your publications. Thank you very much. Always wating for new publications. Good luck!!!
Very interesting Mary.
I’m not Christian, but this works are really awesome
These are beautiful works of art. However, the real treasure is what lies between the covers. Armenians should be encouraged to read GOD’s word, not use the Book as table decoration. Would like to see more scholars write and talk about the rich Christian heritage of the saints who preached and taught the gospel of salvation and the Armenian impact of spreading Christianity . This is more our heritage than just the genocide , which occurred because of our Christian faith. The WHY of the genocide seems to be missing from most accounts.
Visit I Looys blog. Fr. MESROP Parsamian
To view a fascinating post on the making of such bible covers, please visit:
http://www.orthodoxartsjournal.org/a-gospel-cover-crafted-in-the-tradition-of-a-medieval-treasure-binding
Amazing work Aram ! Thank you for this gorgeous presentation of our Christian Art.
Can anyone tell me the identity and location of the 3rd and 5th from the bottom. I know of another silver cover that shares the same back and front motif and was curious how old it is.
Hello. Where I can find More information about This Topic?
A magnificano sequence of high-level craftsmanship and delightful vision. Also very informative.