Attribution and definition of the binding antecedence while describing Cyrillic manuscripts of the 16th century: the observations of a codicologist

Abstract

The article deals with the question of attribution of primary and secondary settings in the description of Cyrillic manuscripts of the XVI century. Considering the basic types of bindings that are on the books of this period, the author focuses on leather bindins, the most common in that period. Considering the structural and technological features of the dated Cyrillic manuscript bindings the author identifies a number of key characteristics. Attention should be paid for more accurate attribution of the original bindings and those of later time. The examples from the author’s own experience have shown how by the visual examination of the manuscript and its binding components we can identify the primary and secondary binding.