13th–14th Century Medieval Gregorian Chant Manuscript Leaf – France, c. 1280–1325

This exceptional medieval manuscript leaf originates from a liturgical choir book used during the High Middle Ages. Handwritten on vellum (animal skin parchment) in France circa 1280–1325, the leaf features early Gregorian chant music in square notation on red four-line staves, accompanied by Latin text in a crisp Gothic bookhand.

The manuscript is richly adorned with red and blue penwork initials, rubricated headings, and flourished line fillers, highlighting the transition points in the chant. Each side is arranged in two neat columns of musical text, suggesting it was part of a monastic antiphonary or gradual used in the chanting of the Divine Office or the Mass.

Despite its age, the leaf remains beautifully preserved, with legible script, strong color, and original marginal annotations. The ruler in the image shows the dimensions are approximately 11 × 7.5 inches.

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Features:
• Date: c. 1280–1325
• Origin: Northern France
• Script: Gothic Textualis
• Notation: Square neumes on red four-line staves
• Material: Vellum (parchment)
• Dimensions: Approx. 8 × 5 in (19 × 12 cm)
• Condition: Very good for age; some light staining, trimmed edges, minor corner creases
• Provenance: From a disbound medieval choir book (likely antiphonary)

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This rare musical manuscript is a remarkable survivor of medieval sacred tradition—perfect for collectors of medieval art, music history, or devotional manuscripts.

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