Late 15th-early 16th century AD. A large complete early Ethiopian gospel book produced in a reformist Stephanite community; complete text of the Gospels followed by the Mystagogia (Doctrina Arcanorum) with explanation of the canon tables and an account of the the compilation of the Gospels; 228 leaves with text written in black ink with rubrics, a coloured top margin ornament introducing each of the Gospels, derived from crux ansata motifs; drypoint ruling and pricking visible for page layout; later note on folio 19 verso recording the manuscript's donation to the church of Däbrä Mika'él by Wäyzäro Wälättä Egziabehér; bound between wooden boards with tooled leather covering, brocade fabric inserts. 4.7 kg, 31cm (12"). From a New York bookseller in 2010; previously with Joseph Knopfelmacher, New York, USA; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10896-180997. [No Reserve] Condition Report Fair condition; some crumbling to lower edge due to exposure to heat.