Very Rare Large Early 19th c. Hand Made gilt and painted Wood & Leather Guest Book. Measures 12.35” x 10.75” x 2”. The boards are wood that has been hand painted and gilt, with raised portions to the hypnotic design, and applied elements to the corners. The binding is leather. At some point the binding was reinforced. The interior is filled with many empty pages of late 18th, early 19th c. hand made papers. At a later period, perhaps late 19th, early 20th century some one has painted intricate and very painterly words “GUEST BOOK”, likely during the Arts & Crafts period. A label inconspicuously placed on the back page is from Anderson Galleries in Chicago, known for selling fine objects of vertù in the early 20th c. The ancient papers have some signs of age with yellowing and minor staining on the edges. Some of the gilt areas of the leather binding are chipped and worn away. Two of the cabochon applied elements (gutta percha?) are missing: one on the front and one on the back. This is a true and rare treasure. The obelish-like symbols on the front and back may be Masonic or even Wiccan or witchcraft. The is book reminds me of the one in the film Hocus Pocus. A beautiful object to be sure. I have more images for those that may be interested. Please ask questions before purchasing and thank you for looking. Could be renaissance revival c. 1860 - 80.