Rzewuski – Facsimile Manuscript

RZEWUSKI – FACSIMILE MANUSCRIPT

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The scientific copy of the original in the limited edition of 200 copies. Prepared and issued for the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the author's journey on the Arabian peninsula, framed in precious metal and jewellery.

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HRABIA RZEWUSKI

In 1817 gold-bearded (as he was called) the Polish magnate of the most eminent families,obsessed with hot-blooded oriental horses, he abandoned his wife and rich estates to begin an intrepid adventure in areas which for the majority was unexplored and unguessed. Participation in battles against the Turks, knowledge of horses and local languages gave him recognition and friendship of 13 Bedouin tribes and also tanls to that he get dignity of Emir: officially and military commander. He was the first European to cross and penetrate the vast, unexplored Najd desert in Saudi Arabia. It was he who brought the first Arabian horses to Europe and started the glorious tradition of their breeding in our region. He bought stallions and mares for the Royal Wirtemberg Stud, Tsar Alexander I from Russia, the French national stud in Pau and his own estate of Sawran in Ukraine. He led a life full of romantic adventures. He quickly became famous among the Arabs: stories were told about him and songs were sung. Juliusz Słowacki ("Pride on Wacław Rzewuski"), Adam Mickiewicz ("Farys"), Wincenty Pol ("Hetman Złotobrody"), Michał Budzyński wrote about him. He appeared in the paintings of Janusz Suchodolski and Juliusz Kossak. He left behind an extraordinary work "Sur les Chevaux Orientaux et Provenants des Races Orientales", which is still recognized today as an invaluable compendium of knowledge about Arabian culture and tradition and the art of breeding Arabian horses: their strains, history, features and advantages.

RZEWUSKI MANUSCRIPT

This beautiful manuscript of 352 pages and 218,000 words contains 65 charming sketches made by count Rzewuski and more than 100 other illustrations and maps. It contains many portraits of Bedouin tribes in Syria and Arabia, their history, customs, culture and an excellent description of an unique, nomadic lifestyle. The book contains are more than 400 colorful drawings, which are a source of research on the local culture and customs, which is also of great value to the Saudi nastion. There are also notes (music notation) which let us to recreate Bedouin music from 200 years ago, as well as a census of some tribes. The Rzewuski's manuscript is till today the heritage of the Arabian horse, a unique source of knowledge for all those interested in the history of the Orient.

I crossed the entire rocky and empty Arabia wide and long. [....] I am recognized as Emir and Sheikh in thirteen generations of Bedouin and I use all the prerogatives attached to this dignity. So I can say that in the desert I feel as if I was in my home country. The knowledge of the exact language and customs of the locals has always been of great help to me in my travels through Arabia - they will serve me also during my future expeditions. I ride on horseback and have the power of a spear like a Bedouin; my strong health is not affected by heat or climate change. I am not afraid of hardship and fatigue, any kind of danger frighten me is not able to. [...]

MANUSCRIPT FACSYMILE

200 years have passed since Rzewuski began his fascinating journey and writing the history of Arabian horse breeding, that is why the Manuscriptum Publishing House undertook the effort of creating a faithful, scientific copy in the form of the Book of Jewellery, the most beautiful of 3 volumes. This precious manuscript was decorated in a gold-enriched binding, emphasizing the value of the original. The "Polish Diamond", also known as "Striped Flint", decorates the binding, emphasizing that the book is a bridge between Polish and Arabic culture. The edition is limited to 200 copies. From now on, the facsimile of the Rzewuski Manuscript can be a showcase of the home of anyone who values the unique memories (in material, special form) of the world's cultural heritage.

JEWELERY BINDING

Enriched with 24 carat gold and the "Polish Diamond" (striped flint), to emphasize the value and beauty of the original manuscript.

The silhouette of the Arabian horse on the obverse is a copy of a drawing made by Count Rzewuski, which is on the pages of Volume 3. The typical Arabian floral and geometric ornamentation includes numerous stones: garnets, carnelian and "Polish Diamond', the most noble variety of striped flint found in the only place in the world, in the "Sandomierz Land" in Poland. Striped flint is known as a stone of optimism, maybe that is why it is the favourite stone of designer Victoria Beckham.

Arabian horses

Arabian horses appeared on the Arabian Peninsula at least 2500 years ago. They were bred in Asia Minor and North Africa by nomadic Bedouin tribes. They are considered to be one of the oldest breeds of horses in the world. Bred in very difficult environmental conditions, they are characterized by light, harmonious and noble body structure. These horses are very noble and elegant, with a light body structure. Their silhouette can be written into a square. This specific beauty is defined as a "bouquet of an Arabian horse", which consists of, among others: a small head with pike profile, wide forehead and large eyes, long, often swan neck; straight upper line with a horizontal back and a highly seated, lifted tail. Features of this breed also include: high dryness of tissue, fluidity and elegance of movements, resistance, endurance at work and a lively, yet gentle temperament. Pure-blooded Arabians are small horses, mainly grey, bay and chestnut ointments. It is a late maturing and long-lived breed, one of the basic breeds of horses, often considered the quintessence of a beautiful horse. It is worth mentioning that they are very durable, do not require a special conditions in breeding and they are so fast in galloping that over long distances they are second to none. Moreover, this horses are intelligent, friendly, sensitive and attached to man. "Arabians" are horses with a lively temperament, but always obedient.