Chemise binding

Chemise binding (chemisette) was a protective cover for a book used between the 12th and 16th century. It could be a slip-on sleeve or an overcover attached to the volume, with the fabric protruding beyond the edges of a book allowing for full covering of the volume, thus offering additional protection of a highly valuable object. Chemise bindings were usually made of textiles such as silk, satin or velvet or, less frequently, animal skin. While there is some evidence to suggest that the first chemise bindings might have been produced in Italy, they are typically associated with late Middle Ages in Northern Europe and indeed feature prominently in art from this geographical region and period. Due to their fragile nature and their role as protection for the primary cover, only a limited number of chemise bindings survive. They were also a natural victim of book- and library-burnings during the religious upheaval ushered in by the Reformation. As a result, there are only 13 surviving examples of chemise bindings, all dating from the period 1460–1559.

Chemise bindings were used for protection of both sacred and secular volumes. Whilst their most common use was as an overcover for prayer books, such as book of hours, medieval men would also use chemise bindings for particularly important volumes, such as the books of the royal courts. The embroidery and embellishments adorning chemise bindings reflected the grandeur of their owner. Consequently, chemise bindings were demarcations of individuals' social status, devotional piety, and wealth.