Terroir

007112 — Upper Rhine region probably Alemannic Germany or northern Switzerland 1000. No Binding. Good. Single parchment leaf recto and verso 245 x 182 mm written in a fine mature Caroline minuscule in dark brown ink 29 lines per page single column. Rubrics in red; simple pen-flourished initials in red and blue marking textual divisions. Pricklings and ruling faintly visible. The text comprises the Exorcism and Blessing of Water Exorcismus aquae with extended invocations against unclean spirits and prayers for purification healing and protection. These texts form part of the Roman ritual tradition as transmitted in Germanic regions during the 10th century and are characteristic of Rituals or Sacramentaries rather than Missals or biblical codices. The hand is confident and regular with well-proportioned Caroline letterforms and consistent word separation. Decoration is restrained and functional reflecting a working liturgical manuscript produced for clerical rather than a luxury commission. Palaeographical and textual features point to production in the Alemannic sphere of the Upper Rhine an area renowned for conservative preservation of Carolingian liturgical practice. In good bur well-used medieval condition. The parchment is supple but heavily toned at margins with cockling and surface wear consistent with prolonged liturgical handling. There are tears at binding edge with evidence of modern tape repair. Occasional later marginal notations present. Ink and decoration remain clear and legible. Early litugical manuscripts of this early date are increasingly scarce on the market. Leaves containing exorcistic and ritual texts are especially sought after for their historical and theological interest offering insights into early medieval concepts of sanctification healing and spiritual protection. Ships unmatted and unframed <br/> <br/> unknown