purple-dyed parchment
Byzantium
6th Century
Source: Rabitsch, S., Malissa, A., Hradil, K., Erlach, R., Uhlir, K., Griesser, M., & Hofmann, C. "The silver inks of the Vienna Genesis."
Recipe Details
Ingredients
animal skin, lime, calcium hydroxide, purple dye
Preparation Steps
The parchment was manufactured using an alkaline solution of lime (Ca(OH)2). Folios were dyed purple (p. 119, 129). Pricking marks were used to guide ruling; seven different ruling schemes have been identified across the manuscript (p. 123, 124).
Original Recipe Text
The parchment was manufactured using an alkaline solution of lime (Ca(OH)2). Folios were dyed purple (p. 119, 129). Pricking marks were used to guide ruling; seven different ruling schemes have been identified across the manuscript (p. 123, 124).
Evidence
"In the parchment, following a very intensive calcium signal which probably results from the use of an alkaline solution of lime (Ca(OH)2) during the manufacturing process, minor signals of chlorine, silicon, phosphorus, potassium and iron were detected."
Remarks
Parchment has changed dimensions due to ageing and conservation treatments; original size is estimated at 400 x 292.5 mm (p. 125, 126). Thickness ranges from 100 to 160 µm (p. 133). Dark parallel horizontal stripes may be burnishing marks from smoothing the parchment before writing (p. 126).
Scientific Analysis
Chemical CompositionCa(OH)2, Ca, Cl, Si, P, K, Fe
Analytical Techniques
XRF
stereo microscope
Certainty Level
Confirmed
Instrumentally Verified
Verified
Metadata
Material Type
paper
Paper TypeParchment
ColorPurple
RegionByzantium
Approx. Year550
Source Information
AuthorRabitsch, S., Malissa, A., Hradil, K., Erlach, R., Uhlir, K., Griesser, M., & Hofmann, C. "The silver inks of the Vienna Genesis."
CollectionVienna Genesis
Language
N/A
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