Illuminating information on an ancient Irish treasure - The Book of Kells
Our Book of Kells Jewelry is inspired by the stunning artistry of the 9th Century book of the same name. The Book of Kells has survived viking raids, theft, and rebellion to take it’s rightful place as one of the most famous medieval manuscripts in the world and a stunning piece of Irish and early Christian art.
AN ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT
On display at Trinity College Dublin, close to one million visitors each year come from across the globe to gaze at the pages of this ancient text.
Those who make the pilgrimage are rewarded by the lavish decoration and illustrations that illuminate each page. Intricate Celtic spirals, knots and crosses join animals, plants and humans to stunningly illustrate the stories of the four gospels.
Written on vellum folios (calfskin pages) in expertly executed script, it now contains 340 folios but it is thought that up to 30 folios are missing, largely from the start and finish of the book. The remaining 340 folios were subjected to further damage when they were trimmed to fit a binding style in the 19th Century and now measure approximately 330 x 255 mm.
ANCIENT ARTISTRY
The Book of Kells offers an enigmatic glimpse of our ancient past. It is thought to be the work of at least three different artists — monks who painstakingly worked at monasteries in Iona Scotland and Kells, Ireland.
And even with multiple artists working, it is thought that this work took several years to complete. However there is some controversy over when and where the Book of Kells was produced. Most attribute the book to a monastery founded in 561 by the Irish Saint Colum Cille on Scottish Isle of Iona. Following a Viking raid in 806 which left 68 dead, the remaining Columban monks took refuge at another monastery founded by St. Colum Cille in Kells in Co. Meath in Ireland. It is thought that the book was produced around the year 800 but we have know way of knowing if that was at Iona, or Kells or a mixture of both. In any case the book was housed at the Monastery in Kells, and then became known as “the Book of Kells.”
And despite having its jewel encrusted cover stolen in and early Viking Raid, an event that may have resulted in some of the “lost” 30 pages, The Book of Kells has survived almost entirely intact to this day first at the monastery that shares its name and to present day at Trinity College Dublin.
CONTINUING TRADITION
On several pages, the ornament and decoration is of such extraordinary fineness and delicacy that it requires a magnifying glass to see it properly and the artists who created these works have had their skills likened to those of a goldsmith.
So it is no wonder then that the stunning spiral designs and knot work of this ancient work translate so beautifully to the gold, platinum and palladium in our handcrafted rings and jewelry. Wearing a Book of Kells piece offers a real connection to a long-standing tradition of Celtic artistry and Irish heritage.
The popularity of this unique design and the enduring allure of the Book of Kells itself is a reminder that people from all countries draw inspiration from Ireland’s ancient past.
