The Book of Kells Tapestry

The intriguing Book of Kells Tapestry which is taken from the original Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables.

It is believed to have been created c. 800 AD and is a masterwork of Western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of Insular illumination. The manuscript takes its name from the Abbey of Kells, which was its home for centuries. The illustrations and ornamentation of the Book of Kells surpass that of other Insular Gospel books in extravagance and complexity. The decoration combines traditional Christian iconography with the ornate swirling motifs. Figures of humans, animals and mythical beasts, together with Celtic knots and interlacing patterns in vibrant colours, enliven the manuscript's pages. The manuscript today comprises 340 leaves or folios; the recto and verso of each leaf total 680 pages.

Since 1953, it has been bound in four volumes. Today, it is housed at Trinity College Library, Dublin. A digitised version of the entire manuscript may also be seen online.

• Please note this item incurs an additional delivery fee due to the nature and weight of the item is only available for UK delivery.
• Delivery is direct from the supplier and may take up to 14 days for orders.
• Please note that other purchases made in the same transaction will be delivered separately as per our normal delivery times.
• For Tapestry dimensions and recommended Tapestry Rod size (sold separately), see our 'Size Guide' below.