1200s Early Century (Vellum Animal Skin Lamb) Manuscript, Holy Lord God of Sabaoth.

Early 13th century Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth manuscript from choir book or hymnal.

An extraordinary piece - would look striking framed. It comprises one leaf - two pages measuring a huge 28 x 20.5 inch (71.25cm x 52cm). The largest I have seen. There are a few large leaves for sale with other sellers though not as large as this one and at least twice the price and without the exceptionally large liquid metal gold decorated initial. There is an incredibly old repair to the left margin, in vellum.

This Latin leaf is from a choir book or hymnal manuscript. The size of this leaf is extraordinary and would have been created for an important cathedral in Europe. This would have been used by a large choir so it could be read from a distance.

The main large decorated initials border area has been done with liquid metal gold. The formula and process to apply this to vellum, and to last half a millennium, is overly complex and time consuming. The initial measures 4.5 x 3.75 inch (11.5cm x 9.5cm). There are five other decorated large initials present.

The hymn is (Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth) or Holy Lord God of Sabaoth.

This is the line by line translation-

Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth.

Holy Lord God of Sabaoth,

pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria.

the heavens and earth are full of your glory.

osanna in excelsis.

hosanna in the highest.

benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

osanna in excelsis.

hosanna in the highest.

sanctus sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth.

Holy, holy Lord God of Sabaoth.

-Inset in red to the left of the major initial.

in diebus ferialibus per annus annum.

On feast days throughout the year.

A beautiful and magnificent manuscript leaf.