Book cover with yellow and green striped floral pattern 1800 - 1900

This book cover features a yellow and green striped floral pattern, made by an anonymous artist. The design has been printed onto the paper surface, most likely using a woodblock. Looking closely, we can see that the stripes alternate in color and pattern. Some are a solid yellow with small floral motifs, while others are green with delicate vine-like details. The choice of a repeated striped pattern lends itself well to mass production, hinting at its use in printed books. The paper itself has a slightly rough texture, which would have absorbed the ink during printing. The layering of inks and the registration of the blocks must have taken time and skill. The aesthetic value of the print lies in its decorative appeal. In the context of bookbinding, the application of this print can be understood as part of a larger industry of publishing, printing, and design. This printed book cover provides a tangible link between the skilled labor involved in printing, the materials used, and the social practice of reading.