Medieval Miniature books by Ericka VanHorn is a real piece of art. American artist of applied art Ericka VanHorn is from Denver, Colorado. She has been creating miniatures of various kinds since 1997, but became known for her Books. All these fabulous collectible books are handmade in miniature 1″ to 1′ dollhouse scale, or in 1/12th scale. Books are aged and stained to give an ancient medieval look. So there may be some burnt or stained spots for effect. Ericka VanHorn’s collection consists of handmade leather bound books with a steam-punk, a wizard, a vampire, or religious theme.

The talented craftswoman uses different materials for really beautiful binding – leather, metal decorated with gold or silver leaf, precious and semi-precious stones, and various charming tiny items (real opals, tiny brass key charms, watch mechanisms, handmade sculls, old aged hinges, feather talisman, etc.). Her work has been featured in many Magazines including Miniature Collector Magazine, Haute Doll Magazine, American Miniaturist Magazine, Dollhouse Miniatures, and Haute Doll Magazine.

Decorative bookbinding is the art of enclosing the pages of a manuscript or printed book in a covering that is ornamental rather than merely protective. The art originated in the monasteries of the Coptic Church in Egypt, perhaps as early as the 2nd century AD, at a time when the codex (manuscript book) was taking over from the roll or scroll, which had been stored in a cylindrical container. Leather-covered boards decorated with stamped or incised patterns were used by the Coptic craftsmen, but much more elaborate and expensive materials were soon being employed in the West.

From as time onward, reflecting trends in the other visual arts, but geometrical, interlace, and floral patterns have been particularly popular. Before the 19th century it was the normal practice for publishers to issue their books in sheets, so that booksellers or their customers could have them bound to their own requirements. From the 1820s, however, publishers began issuing books in simple cloth covers, known as trade bindings, the start of modern practice. Detachable paper jackets for books became widespread during the 20th century. These jackets created a recognizable ‘house style’ for publishers and in Britain many distinguished artists (including John Piper and Graham Sutherland) have worked in this area. Fine binding has continued as an art, particularly in France, which has a rich history of bookbinding.

Medieval Miniature books by Ericka VanHorn

source etsy.com/shop/evminiatures