Delve into ancient mysticism and wisdom with our 'Ouroboros' Ex-Libris Bookplates. Crafted on traditional gummed paper and inspired by design from the early 1900s, these bookplates are a gateway to the arcane world of alchemy and esoteric knowledge.
The intricate design features a pentagram encircled by a serpent devouring its tail, a timeless symbol of eternity and the cyclical nature of existence. Surrounding this enigmatic emblem are alchemical symbols, echoing the pursuits of those who sought the philosopher's stone and the elixir of life.
The inscription, "Om Mani Padme Hum," whispers the mantra of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Its six syllables hold a profound mystery, with interpretations ranging from "praise to the jewel in the lotus" to a declaration of aspiration, signifying "I in the jewel-lotus."
Personalize your library with 'Ouroboros' Ex-Libris Bookplates and embark on a quest for knowledge and enlightenment. Channel the wisdom of the ages as you adorn your cherished books with this symbol of timeless mysticism. Each page becomes a portal to the unknown, guiding you through the boundless realms of human understanding.
Bookplates are ideal for safeguarding your library's volumes and making a unique and thoughtful gift.
Bookplates are crafted on 50# White English Finish Gummed Paper and hand-cut to size. Gummed paper is coated with an adhesive backing that requires water to activate (similar to traditional stamps). Once the adhesive is activated, the paper will adhere to the front pastedown of your book.
Historically, bookplates have been printed on gummed paper for various reasons. First, the glue is water-soluble and can be removed by steaming or wetting without damaging your book. Second, gummed paper dries flat and without residue and eliminates the waste of sticker adhesive backings. Third, the finished bookplate has a refined look and feel.
ITEM DETAILS
• Dimensions: 4in x 3in, 10.16cm x 7.62cm
• Substrate: 50# White English Finish Gummed Paper
• Adhesive: Moisture/Water activated
• Quantity: 30 Bookplates
• Turn around time: 3-5 days
• Each bookplate ships in a hardback envelope with instructions.
• Each bookplate is handcrafted and cut to size and may vary slightly from the rest
• Option to Personalize: Yes
PERSONALIZATION
These bookplates can be personalized with your name(s). The font used is Botanical Scribe as shown. A maximum of 25 characters is allowed.
INSTRUCTIONS/HOW-TO
On a clean surface, moisten the back of the bookplate with a damp sponge. The bookplate will curl up a little; this is normal. Affix the moistened bookplate where desired, smoothing the paper from the center outwards to eliminate any creases and wrinkles. Gummed paper dries flat and smooth. I recommend you test a paper surface before applying it to your book to get a feel for the moisture/glue. Don't moisten the front of the bookplate, as inks are not waterproof. If you opted for blank bookplates, write your name in before applying. Store unused bookplates in a dark, dry place.
SOME HISTORY
A bookplate is sometimes called an ex-libris, meaning "from the books of" in Latin. The earliest known example, dated to 1480, is the bookplate of Hilprand Brandenburg, a Carthusian monk. At first, most bookplates were designed to safeguard the property of nobles; thus, they were adorned with coats of arms and other indicators of inherited prestige. This was the case through the 18th century, though styles changed with artistic trends. The 19th century saw the rise of the middle class. Scholars, professionals, and other educated individuals became interested in bookplates and commissioned works in a pictorial vein. Since then, ex libris have been used to denote personal property, and as a form of personal expression. Since ex-libris stamps were generally never seen by the public, the artwork varied tremendously from intimate erotic scenes to darkly expressionistic styles.
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