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18. |
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Celtic Circle from Book of Kells. Same image as Plate 1 (Click image to enlarge) |
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This motif is one of over 200 motifs that make up the Eight Circle Cross in the book of Kells. Each of the eight circles contains many smaller circles, of which this is one. It measures only 1.5 inches in diameter in the book itself, and yet manages to clearly depict 5 birds with topknots and 10 reptiles. These images are but a tiny fraction of the religious symbolism that fills the book. |
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This plate does perhaps show the birds and reptiles more clearly than Plate 1. The motif is glazed with very thin Hell’s Mouth Clay. |
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