Three leaves from a Psalter, from an illuminated manuscript in Latin, on vellum

three leaves, 355mm. by 235mm., each with a large initial containing either foliage, a geometric pattern, or a grinning animal mask, all in colour on burnished gold ground, with the ascenders of the initials extending into decorated panels along three sides of the text, terminating in blue and red-purple ivy leaves, twelve 2-line initials in blue with red penwork, numerous smaller blue or red initials, two columns, 38 lines of dark brown ink, with damage to outermost edges on three sides and now mounted in paper, else good condition, in red cloth-covered card binding, with gilt-tooled title on frontboard

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

From the collection of Sir Frederick Arthur Gore Ouseley (1825-89), English church musician, scholar, and composer.

The wealth of East Anglia in the fourteenth century fostered communities of professional artists and scribes which created some of the most breathtaking works of medieval English book art. The forms of the initials closely match those of the Peterborough Psalter (Brussels, Bibl. Roy. 9961-2; see Sandler, The Peterborough Psalter, 1974, pl.63 in particular). The closely twisted ivy-leaves bisected by their own stalks can also be found in the Barlow Psalter (Oxford, Bodl. Barlow 22; Sandler, pl.121), another product of this school.