The Emperor’s Astronomy

This is the front cover of the printed book. It is bound in aged, cream-colored parchment: animal skin prepared for writing or binding or vellum: a high-quality skin, often from a calf. The material shows visible staining and foxing: age-related spots or browning along with general wear. Remnants of two white leather or fabric ties remain on the right edge. These ties were originally used to keep the large volume securely closed. Faint, illegible pencil or ink markings appear on the surface.