Gutenburg Bible Crêpe de Chine Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

A blue Fox & Chave crêpe de Chine silk scarf with a design of floral elements from the pages of a bible produced in Germany in the 15th century by Johannes Gutenberg.

The floral details in a Gutenberg Bible were not printed but added by hand, blending medieval manuscript tradition with revolutionary print technology. While Gutenberg’s movable type produced the text, each Bible was illuminated afterward by scribes and artists who painted elaborate floral borders, initials, and decorative flourishes.

These embellishments often included acanthus leaves, vines, and fantastical blossoms, intertwining with marginal imagery and gilded highlights. The purpose was both aesthetic and spiritual, linking the printed word to the divine beauty associated with illuminated manuscripts.

Therefore, no two copies were identical, as each was finished individually, showing regional styles and personal touches. These floral elements demonstrate how early printing retained the artistry of the handwritten book, bridging two eras of visual culture.

COLOURS

STYLING

Wear your Fox & Chave crêpe de chine silk scarf in a variety of ways from the French Knot: Fold scarf in half, loop around neck, pull ends through loop, to the Infinity Knot: Loop scarf twice, tie ends in knot. More scarf styling ideas are available in this wonderful How to Tie a Scarf book.