The 60th Annual New York International Antiquarian Book Fair: Book of Prayers

Booth #A20 “Les Enluminures” had this book named Book of Prayers woven after illuminations in manuscripts of the fourteenth and fifteenth century which was selling for $55,000.00.

In Latin and French, illustrated books on silk. R. P. J. Hervier, designer; J.A. Henry, fabricator, for A. Roux France, Lyon, 1886-1887 $55,000.00

This uncommon Book of Prayers is entirely machine-woven of gray and black silk, with a grayish-silver texture to the cast and various styles of decorative borders. It is bound in Jansenist-style burgundy-brown levant morocco, probably after 1900 by Kauffman and Horclois, original slipcase dimensions 173 x 141 mm. This book consists of 58 pages in total, in which 43 are numbered, 6 are printed preliminary pages, and 4 pages front and back of mounted silk, unprinted, text block. There are some pages that are full page illustrations. In addition to this, every page had its border decorated and also initials throughout on every page.

This is one of between 50 or 60 books printed with silver and black thread on silk looms that were programmed using the punched-card system developed by Joseph-Marie Jacquard (1752-1834). This book was most likely given at the time of the reunion of the two families through marriage. This is the only illustrated book ever successfully woven on a machine loom, and it was produced in this single edition.

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