Chrysopoeia of Kleopatra

The Chrysopoeia of Kleopatra is one of the earliest alchemical manuscripts extant and features the emblem of the serpent ouroboros which we use as our publisher's device. While I've written about this device here - today I wanted to announce that Ouroboros Press is in the process of producing a letterpress printing of this important manuscript.

The Kleopatra who is attributed to this single page alchemical manuscript is not the Cleopatra of Egyptian fame, though she has been referred to as the Egyptian Queen at times in other alchemical literature. According to traditional sources she is one of four women from classical times who are thought to have succeeded in producing the Philosopher's Stone.

The Chysopoeia shares the distinction, along with the Emerald Tablet of Hermes as being one of the shortest alchemical manuscripts being as it is a single page. Between the brevity and its graphic beauty the manuscript is a perfect candidate for a letterpress treatment. The letterpress print will feature two-color printing [red and black] on fine art paper and will be limited to just 125 copies. This print represents a digitally rendered facsimile for clarity and sharpness which will create a crisp impression when printed on the antique equipment used to produce it.

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