Step into the future of book ownership with "Ex Machina" – a collection of distinctive gummed paper ex libris that seamlessly blend the allure of vintage linocut design with a futuristic twist. Inspired by the iconic visuals of Fritz Lang's Metropolis, these ex libris feature six unique designs, each showcasing an android of various "metals" and ethnicities, evoking a sense of diversity and technological elegance.
**Designs Beyond Imagination:**
Select from six captivating linocut-style designs, each a nod to the timeless allure of Metropolis. Androids in various "metals" and ethnicities grace these bookplates, allowing you to choose the one that resonates with your individual style.
**Customization at Its Finest:**
Tailor your ex-libris to perfection. Choose between the classic "Ex Libris" or the avant-garde "Ex Machina" to adorn your bookplate. Alternatively, leave it blank for a handwritten touch – a subtle reminder of the beautiful irony in embracing analog bookplates in an era saturated with AI and computing.
**A Touch of Sci-Fi Nostalgia:**
For sci-fi enthusiasts, "Ex Machina" offers a unique blend of futuristic aesthetics and nostalgic nods to classic cinema. Embrace the beautiful irony of integrating analog bookplates into a world dominated by artificial intelligence and computing, creating a bridge between the past and the future.
**Perfect for the Modern Reader:**
In a digital age, where screens dominate, "Ex Machina" pays homage to the tangible beauty of physical books. These ex libris are a must-have for those who appreciate the tactile experience of reading and the aesthetic charm of sci-fi-inspired design.
Elevate your book collection with "Ex Machina" – where tradition meets the future, and each page turn becomes a journey through time and technology. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of analog bookplates, a testament to the enduring allure of both the past and the future.
Bookplates are ideal for safeguarding the volumes in your library and make 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, eliminating 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 an adjusted version of FFF Forward, 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 perform a test on 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 the 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 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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