This timeless gummed paper ex libris features a haunting woodcut design from the Victorian era. Embrace the profound symbolism of the skull resting atop a tome, a striking memento mori, reminding us of life's transience and the pursuit of wisdom. The intricate gothic detailing exudes an air of mystery and reverence, a tribute to the eternal quest for knowledge and understanding.
Crafted with meticulous artistry, this bookplate beckons you to reflect upon the impermanence of existence while cherishing the pursuit of knowledge. As you personalize this ex libris, let it become a cherished emblem of intellectual exploration and contemplation.
Step into the world of dark academia and embrace the timeless wisdom within its pages. These bookplates are a tangible connection to the Victorian era's fascination with mortality and the enduring power of books. May this exquisite design grace your literary collection, inspiring you to savor every moment in pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.
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, 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 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). You can choose either your first name or both first and last names. The font is an adjusted version of Alice 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 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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