The Perilous Fountain with the Charter of Love

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Visible along the inner edge of this leaf is a continuation of the ornate vertical decorative border. This is a masterful example of gold-tooling (a technique where a bookbinder uses heated brass stamps to press gold leaf into leather). The repeating patterns—likely featuring stylised floral or geometric motifs—demonstrate the high value placed on this volume. Such decorations on the "turn-ins" (the part of the leather cover folded over the edges of the boards) were typical of luxury Renaissance commissions, signaling the wealth of the patron and the sanctity of the text within.