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Coptic Liturgical Codex

17th–18th century
Not on view
Wealthier monasteries would have possessed manuscripts even after the Arab conquest of the region in the mid-600s. Coptic, the latest stage of the Egyptian language, is written with the Greek alphabet, supplemented by seven additional signs. The Arabic text to the right side of each page was for the use of those who no longer easily read Coptic. Crosses worked in interlaced geometric patterns often appear in Coptic manuscripts.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Coptic Liturgical Codex
  • Date: 17th–18th century
  • Geography: Possibly made i. Found Egypt
  • Medium: Black and colored inks on Venetian paper
  • Dimensions: Overall (closed): L. 6 1/8 in. (15.5 cm)
    W. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
    D. 1/2 in. (1.3 cm)
    Overall (open on book mount): H. 6 1/8 in. (15.5 cm)
    W. 7 15/16 in. (20.2 cm)
    D. 6 7/8 in. (17.4 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1919
  • Object Number: 19.196.5
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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dated 1035 AH/1625–26 CE

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