An illuminated manuscript is a book written and decorated completely by hand. Illuminated manuscripts were among the most precious objects produced in the Middle Ages and the early Renaissance, primarily in monasteries and courts. Society’s rulers–emperors, kings, dukes, cardinals, and bishops–commissioned the most splendid manuscripts.
Amazing video showing some of the work that went into creating illuminated manuscripts.
Brilliant video, thanks for sharing it.
I used to hang with folks in the SCA who did this sort of exacting work, including calligraphy, illumination, and gold leaf. It was one of the skills that folks in the organization were happy to teach anybody who was sufficiently interested.
Single-sheet “scrolls” were commissioned for presentation to people in recognition for accomplishments. Many were far simpler than what this video shows, but some were not.