The Holly And The Ivy

1 3/4" x 1 3/8", 60 pages

One of the loveliest, and one of the oldest, English Christmas carols. Folk songs about holly, as the symbol for men, and ivy, as the symbol for women, were common, and holly and ivy have been used as church decorations for Christmas since the 15th century.

I've illustrated the song with sprigs and branches of the two plants winding in and out of the pages, with the verso of each page showing the leaves and berries of the plant hidden on the recto. I was inspired by Joris Hoefnagel's illustrations for the MIRA CALLIGRAPHIAE MONUMENTA (1590)

The book is bound in a rich burgundy paper printed with gold chrysthanthamums.

Also available in micro-miniature:  The Holly and the Ivy

This product was added to our catalog November 12, 2010