A stunning Armenian Illuminated Manuscript Leaf likely from the 17th century.

The Boligar script is exquisitely detailed on both the verso and recto, in a bold hand, forty four lines, one column. One charming zoomorphic initial, six lines high, consisting of two intertwined birds. The use of birds to form letters in Armenian manuscripts is a calligraphy art known as trchnagir (“trch” = bird + “gir” = scripture) or trchnatar (“tar” = letter). Although I collect medieval manuscripts, this type of leaf is unique in my collection due to language, subject, and time/place of origin. It is from a synaxarion or menologium ("Lives of the Saints"), known as a Yaysmawurk (յայսմաւուրք) in Armenian. The illustration on the right of the page (Approx 4.25” high) is Saint Nicholas of Myra, the 4th century Bishop who was present at the Council of Nicea. Although there is very limited historical information about him in the early church writings, stories and legends eventually gave rise to the mythical person known today as Santa Claus ("St. Nick"). I have seen questionable dating of Armenian manuscripts previously. Much of this may be due to many such manuscripts containing a colophon with a dating by the scribe. The Armenian calendar begins on July 11 552 AD of the Julien Calendar, which was adopted at the Second Council of Dvin. A notable example of dating error is found in Otto Ege's Original Leaves. The Armenian example contained within that collection has 1121 written in the colophon, which was the date originally attributed. It was later determined that the manuscript was actually created 552 years later, meaning the 17^th century. I personally know of one on display in a museum with the “1121 AD” dating. Concerning the leaf in this listing, a few sister leaves online in the past have been assigned with a mid 16^th century date. Although that may be true, I feel that is a century early based on my limited research when comparing the script and imagery to others and being that it is on a heavy paper, not parchment. Nonetheless, this is an exceptional leaf which is hundreds of years old, in outstanding condition, is an excellent example in the history of manuscript making, and would be a wonderful addition to your collection.  

Leaf is 16.75 x 6.5 inches, 20 x 16 inches including matting. Script and images are crisp and bold. Expected toning and slight discoloration to paper, primarily outside the areas of text, no noticed tears or fading. There is nothing that detracts from the beauty or integrity of the leaf. Please examine pictures, they are an accurate representation of condition. 
The matting is what I received when I purchased the leaf. The leaf is secured on the backside by tabs which are glued to the matting. The leaf is secure, but is not in contact with any tape of glue and can be easily taken out as shown in the pictures. I will ship it with the matting but but make no claim to its condition or whether the buyer would want to keep it. Personally, I would be fine using it if framing.