Step into a realm of mystery and symbolism with our "Sphinx and Ankh" Personalized Ex-Libris Bookplates. Crafted on traditional gummed paper, each set of these bookplates is a testament to artistry and enigma.
The vintage woodcut design presents a captivating scene - a sphinx with a paw delicately placed on a crystal ball adorned with the all-seeing Eye of Horus. Vines intricately frame the vignette, creating an aesthetic fusion of nature and ancient Egyptian mystique.
Unravel the symbolism within the design as the sphinx, guardian of secrets and mysteries, invites you to embark on a literary journey enriched with enigmatic knowledge. The ankh, a symbol of life and immortality, further enhances the metaphysical allure of these bookplates.
Perfect for lovers of ancient Egyptian lore or those seeking a touch of the arcane, these bookplates add a layer of sophistication and intrigue to your cherished book collection. Personalize your library with the "Sphinx and Ankh" bookplates and let the spirit of ancient wisdom accompany your reading adventures.
Bookplates are ideal for safeguarding the volumes in your library or as 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.
Both the paper and the adhesive are VEGAN and CRUELTY-FREE.
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 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 an adjusted version of LHF Mackinlay, 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 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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