VOLUMEN // HAND-BUILT EGYPTIAN PAPYRUS BOOKROLL

Before books had pages to turn, they had distance to travel.

VOLUMEN is BOOKFORGE's contemporary interpretation of one of the oldest forms of the book: the papyrus roll.

Each VOLUMEN begins with ten sheets of genuine Egyptian papyrus, joined by hand into a continuous writing surface roughly seven to nine feet long, depending on orientation. The finished roll preserves the unmistakable fiber, texture and irregular surface of papyrus while providing a remarkable surface for ink, drawing and mark-making.

Leave it blank. Write across it. Draw on it. Turn it into a document, artwork, ceremony, prop, proclamation, guest book or artifact of your own invention.

Higher-level VOLUMEN editions add a hand-finished hardwood umbilicus, the central rod historically associated with the ancient bookroll, along with stained and shaped wooden finials. The papyrus is attached to the rod with linen rather than simply glued into a decorative imitation.

Every scroll is assembled by hand at BOOKFORGE inside Erie Labor Temple in Erie, Pennsylvania.

THE OBJECT

Genuine Egyptian papyrus

Ten joined papyrus panels

Approximately 7–9 feet of continuous writing surface

Hand-assembled

Natural papyrus fiber and surface variation

Excellent for ink and drawing media

Made individually rather than mass-produced

AVAILABLE FORMS

ROLL

The essential object. Ten joined panels of Egyptian papyrus formed into a continuous hand-built roll.

UMBILICUS I // HARDWOOD

Papyrus bookroll with stained hardwood umbilicus, linen attachment and simple round decorative finials.

UMBILICUS II // OAK + BIRCH

Papyrus bookroll with stained hardwood umbilicus, linen attachment and hand-shaped oak or birch finials.

UMBILICUS III // TEAK

The most substantial edition. Papyrus bookroll with hardwood umbilicus, linen attachment and hand-shaped teak finials.

ARCHIVE WRAP // OPTIONAL

A fitted linen protective wrap finished with hemp tie cords and beads.

Made for writers, artists, calligraphers, wedding ceremonies, theatrical productions, historical interpreters, reenactors, SCA use, displays, and anyone who understands that sometimes the form of the document is part of what it has to say.

BOOKFORGE

Hand work for the physical life of the book.

Erie Labor Temple // Erie, Pennsylvania