The Book of Kells: Illuminating Information on an Ancient Irish Treasure
Written by Ciaran on Mar 02, 2024 | 0 Comments
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, the famous Book of Kells. Who made this extraordinary book, where did it get its name, and just why is it so famous?
Why is the Book of Kells famous?
Close to one million people per year make the pilgrimage to see the Book of Kells in the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin - Why? Visitors are rewarded with a beautiful glimpse of history. Lavish decoration and illustrations illuminate each page. Intricate spirals, triskeles, Celtic knots and crosses join animals, plants and humans to stunningly illustrate the stories of the four gospels.
An example of a richly illustrated page (Folio 130r) with intricate knot work, spirals, animals and event a person being consumed by a beast.
Photo Credit: Digital Collection of Trinity College Dublin
Written on vellum folios (calfskin pages) in expertly executed script, the book is damaged but still spectacular. 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.
For those that can't make it to Dublin in person - you can still see for yourself online at the fabulous digital collection of Trinity College Dublin. Each page of this incredibly detailed book can be inspected close up. A great way to appreciate the artistry.
Who made the Book of Kells?
So it is a spectacular piece of art. But what of the artist? Rather than one artist, current thinking suggests it is the fine work of at least three different people — monks who painstakingly worked at the Columban monasteries in Iona, Scotland and Kells, Ireland, offering an enigmatic glimpse of the ancient past.
Photo Credit: Colin Smith (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Where the Book of Kells get its name?
Even with multiple artists working, it's thought that this work took many, many, years to complete and some controversy remains over exactly when and where the Book of Kells was produced. Most attribute the book to a monastery founded in 561 by the Irish Saint Columcille also known as Columba on Scottish Isle of Iona. Following a Viking raid in 806 which left 68 dead, it's thought that monks took the treasures of Iona including all or part of the book to another monastery founded by St. Columcille, in Kells in Co. Meath in Ireland.
It is thought that the book was produced around the year 800 but we currently have no way of knowing if that was at Iona, or Kells or a mixture of both. In any case, the book was housed for several centuries at the Monastery in Kells, and this is where it takes its name. This spectacular artefact became known as “the Book of Kells.”
It is thought that St. Colmcille established monastery at Kells in 550 and it is considered by many to be one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland.
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 to this day. It was sent to Dublin for safekeeping in the 1650s and in 1661 was presented to Trinity College Dublin, where it has resided ever since.
Continuing Tradition of Craft
On several pages of this magical book, the ornament and decoration is of such extraordinary fineness and delicacy that it requires a magnifying glass to see it properly. The artists who created these works have had their skills likened to those of a goldsmith.
Dramatic and striking Celtic rings with a triskele design inspired by the Book of Kells.
So it is no wonder then that the stunning spiral designs and knot work of this ancient work translate so beautifully to the gold, sterling silver, and platinum in our carefully crafted rings and jewellery. Wearing one of our Book of Kells pieces or a triskele ring offers a real connection to a long-standing tradition of Celtic artistry and Irish heritage.
The popularity of these unique designs and the enduring allure of the Book of Kells itself is a reminder that people from all countries draw inspiration from the artistry of Ireland’s ancient past.
Your Very Own Book of Kells
Owning a piece of our Book of Kells inspired jewellery allows you to bring the artistry of ancient Ireland into your home. Timeless and traditional these spectacular designs are sure to delight.
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Ciaran
My Irish Jeweler
Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!
I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!
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