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First Gaster Bible

9th–10th century

Not on view

This fragment is one of the oldest extant Hebrew illuminated texts. Featuring gold embellishments and ornate calligraphy, it recalls the Kufic writing in contemporaneous Arabic manuscripts and an early edition of the Tiberian Masorah, the critical apparatus to the Jewish biblical text developed during the early Islamic period.

First Gaster Bible, Ink and pigments on parchment with gold leaf ornamentation; 40 folios — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

First Gaster Bible, Ink and pigments on parchment with gold leaf ornamentation; 40 folios

First Gaster Bible, Ink and pigments on parchment with gold leaf ornamentation; 40 folios

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Folio 14v

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Folio 15r

Title: First Gaster Bible

Date: 9th–10th century

Geography: Made in Egypt or Palestine

Medium: Ink and pigments on parchment with gold leaf ornamentation; 40 folios

Dimensions: 13 x 9 1/2 in. (33 x 24.2 cm)

Classification: Manuscripts

Credit Line: The British Library, London (Or.9879)

Accession Number: isl555

The Met

Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.