watermarked papers, imported from Europe; Trelune paper

Ingredients

neem (Melia Azadirachta indica)

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

The manuscript is composed of three distinct Venetian watermarked papers. The identified watermarks include: 1. An anchor in a circle with the monogram 'HP' (310 x 205 mm, dated approx. 1594); 2. An anchor in a circle with the monogram 'zM' (418 x 311 mm, dated approx. 1588); 3. A crossbow with the monogram 'GB' (dated approx. 1594). More recent folios (B and E) added during a later binding phase consist of 18th-century Trelune paper (p. 66, 68). Ruling was established using a mistara tool to create 27 lines per leaf within a writing frame of 203 x 124 mm (p. 68).

Evidence

"The text is written on three different watermarked papers, imported from Europe. Study of the watermarks reveals that the paper was manufactured in Venice at the end of the sixteenth century."

Remarks

The use of imported European paper is characteristic of Maghribi manuscript production from the 14th century onwards, where it largely replaced local paper (p. 66). The manuscript folios, measuring 199 mm by 277 mm, are the result of in-folio folding of larger original leaves (at least 458 mm by 312 mm) (p. 68).