Gold Inlay
History Engraven
Emulating historical styles was much in vogue during the 19th century. Patrons encouraged bookbinders to imitate the sensuousness of designs from the Renaissance and Romantic eras, and bindings were valued for their ornamental richness. As the level of luxury increased, book covers were frequently decorated with gold and adorned with silk, cloisonné enamels or precious stones. By looking to history for inspiration, bookbinders created extraordinary works of art.
Our Gold Inlay cover is a faithful recreation of a "Stil der Neorenaissance" design popular in 19th-century German binding. Stil der Neorenaissance remained au courant from 1875 until the First World War. Composed of solid metal, the original binding was first covered by a fine layer of gold, then meticulously engraved by skilled craftsmen.