More technical notes: fyi
Vellum was ( and still is by some) considered to be the finest writing surface. Crisp hairlines and vibrant colours are 2 of its superior qualities. Unlike paper, it is bought from specialty shops (preparing calf & sheep skin is a craft in itself). For calligraphy, the finest grade of manuscript vellum is preferred. When received, it still requires some preparation by the scribe or illuminator. This entails removing any grease ( using abrasive paper and / or pumice) and raising a nap for a velvety writing surface. A small amount of gum sandarac helps keep the writing sharp. Sometimes before any other preparation is done, one may have to stretch the vellum. Detailed accounts on vellum preparation can be found in
The Calligraphers' Handbook. and Writing, Illuminating & Lettering as well as other books. After the writing is completed, then the scribe can carry out gilding and illumination. The gold is 23k gold leaf on a gesso base ( detail recipes and proceedures can also be found in the aformentioned texts, but you lay the base (drawing with a quill pen or brush) then let dry and scrape with scapel to smooth and create a dome-llike shape. Then breathe on it thru a tube ( it is hydroscopic) and place the gold leaf on the letter or decoration. Afterwards, you burnish into it with a hemaetite burnisher. It is a relatively slow process but it produces a brilliant, highly mirror-like result. (difficult to capture in photos)
One sees this type of work more commonly in Europe (especially UK) than you would in the United States.
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