Decorative edges
From Modern Publishing 2025
[page is still being edited] Decorative edges refers to book page edges that have been painted, cut, engraved, or otherwise embellished for no purpose other than aesthetics.
History of decorative edges
Decorative book edges are very popular today, but they are not a modern invention. In the Middle Ages, books were considered luxury items, and were very expensive. The books were bound and decorated elaborately with expensive materials like gold and silver, and were filled with colorful illustrations and calligraphy.[1] However, some of these decorations were also practical.
- ↑ Minneapolis Institute of Art. “Medieval Illuminated Manuscripts.” Artsmia, 2021, new.artsmia.org/programs/teachers-and-students/teaching-the-arts/art-in-context/medieval-illuminated-manuscripts.
