Paperblanks Planner 2024 Mini Azure Vso Equinoxe

Originally bound in 1688 in Paris, France, the book that inspired our Equinox series contained the many rites and observances to follow during the week leading up to Easter, the most important period in the Christian calendar. To properly honor the contents, the complex rules that governed life during this period were often housed in extensive and ornate bindings. This version of L'office de la Semaine Sainte (the liturgy of the Holy Week) was especially revered as it was translated by Michel de Marolles, the notable French pastor and translator. Unfortunately, he died in 1681 and never got to see the beautiful leather binding, stamped and gilded with buckle designs, which contained his work.

The hot-gilt decoration adorning this blanket is a style known as "fanfare", an elaborate handcrafted pattern edged with gilding. Particularly popular in the early 1700s, the style dates back to the early 1500s and required remarkable skill on the part of the bookbinder. Due to the complexity and expense associated with this goldwork, the technique was reserved for the decoration of books of considerable importance.

Blue, being the color of the sky, is often considered to symbolize heaven, and so we felt that this celestial cover appropriately represented the original contents of the binding on which it is based.

In different cultures around the world, the first full moon after the spring equinox is considered a sacred time, and the same is true for non-Christians, this time holds great significance. It is this universal connection that inspired us to choose the name “Equinoxe” for this rich and luxurious design.