The Anchi Gospel - Communication and Information Sector's Photobank

The Anchi Gospel dates back to the XI century. Size: 22,5cm x 15,5 cm; it is written on parchment (which was normally made of calf skin rather than of goat skin as was common in Europe at that time), has wooden cover which is upholstered in leather. The gospel is 269 pages thick, three of them are blank. The front cover is adorned with silver and semiprecious stones. The gospel is complete. It is executed in old Georgian script called Nuskhuri, the titles are written in red ink called Singuri (substance, used exclusively in Georgia, was made by the mixture of mercury and sulfur. It had a special recipe and was widely used in literary practice in Georgia from time immemorial). It has five miniatures: one of Matthew and the other four of the dome of heaven. At the end of the gospel there is a table of content. The gospel is divided into chapters and each chapter has separate table of content at the start.

The Anchi Gospel is one of the three masterpieces of the famous Georgian goldsmith Beka Opizari that has survived to these days. Opizari set the standards for this work, which combined a wide variety of techniques and materials for achieving a high point of pictorial representation. His art has truly become the peak of the development of embossed plastic art.

There are several things that make the gospel unique and totally irreplaceable. The titles in the gospel are written in red ink called Singuri. Due to the composition of the substance the color was resistant to physical environment and did not evaporate. That is the reason why ancient manuscripts written in Singuri have retained a bright red color.

The significance of the Anchi Gospel also lies in the fact that its miniature of Matthew is produced with a unique technique. It is painted with the paint that contained gold. Due to this reason the color of miniature is very impressive.

The Gospel is written on parchment which was normally made of calf skin rather than of goat skin as it was common in Europe at that time.

Communication and Information

WebWorld

Communication and Information Resources