[Manuscript]. Շարակնոց [CHARAKNOTS]. [S.l., ca. XVII-XVIIIth - Lot 75

[Manuscript]. Շարակնոց [CHARAKNOTS]. [S.l., ca. XVII-XVIIIth century]. In-12, (ca. 12 x 10 cm.), 326 f., contemporary Armenian flap binding in full brown calf, smooth spine, cold decoration on boards and flap, cloth lining on spine flaps (binding worn with spine missing, clasps missing, some leaves flying, small marginal losses reaching the text of some f., last 5 paper leaves faded, soiling and wetness, quires out of order). Superb illuminated manuscript of the Charaknots on parchment, of great artistic richness and in a contemporary Armenian binding. Two extremely rare leaves from a 12th-century manuscript (a gospel text) have been bound at the beginning of the book. The text on these leaves is written in the գրչագիր (grchagir) calligraphic style typical of manuscripts prior to the XIIᵉ century. Despite the somewhat short margins, some of the period-colored ornament is preserved on one of the two leaves. This collection of Armenian religious hymns suitable for the liturgical celebrations of each day is written on parchment, with the exception of the last five leaves, which are on paper. The original colophon has not been preserved, making it impossible to date the manuscript precisely. However, based on the style of writing and the color palette used for the miniatures, it most likely dates from the XVIIᵉ or XVIIIᵉ centuries. This manuscript is characterized by its color illustrations in the text and margins testifying to the artistic richness of its period. It features three full-page miniatures depicting various biblical scenes accompanied by headbands on the facing page marking the main sections of the book. The entire work was colored at the time and delicately enhanced with gold. One of the most remarkable aspects of the manuscript is the narrative iconography in the margins of many pages. Other than the traditional ornaments found in this type of liturgical manuscript, this one features numerous human figures representing biblical characters directly linked to specific chapters of the Bible. A precious manuscript preserved in its original Armenian binding.