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| thanks wikimedia commons (PD) |
This is for hedgehog enthusiasts everywhere: a woodcut bookplate, said by some to be the earliest in existence, featuring the name of a guy nicknamed "Hedgehog." Hans "Igler" Knabensberg had this plate on one of his treasured books sometime in 1450-1470.
Igel is the German for that cute pointy animal. Perhaps Hans was prickly to be around, or spent a lot of time rolled up with his reading. He must have had a sense of humor though, because according to
this page, the banner (written in Fraktur, the old German script) says "Hanns Igler, dass dich ein Igel kuss" (
Hans Igler, that the hedgehog may kiss you - possibly a warning against stealing his book, but who minds a hedgehog smooch?).
2 comments:
One of my brothers had bookplates made, long ago, that said, 'Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's'.
What a find! I love hedgies, they are akind of my home's talisman - my husband's name sounds very similar to the Polish word for "hedgehog" (I'm writing from Polsnd). No living hedgehogs with us though, four cats are enough :) Anyway, this particular portrait of a hedgehog is fabulous - just look at these feet (or do you call them paws?)! Dar Curator, thank you for another educative and inspirational post.
Love,
Joanna
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