Non-Destructive Investigation of a Georgian Codex Binding Using a Portable Computed Tomography Scanner

Abstract

This study demonstrates a non-destructive approach to investigating the structure of bookbindings in historical manuscripts using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT). We applied the portable CT scanner ENCI to a Georgian codex from the Graz University Library, MS 2058/1, the famous Sinai Lectionary. Three-dimensional reconstructions reveal the complex arrangement of the spine, cords, threads, and gatherings of folios. Individual characters written in vermilion and iron gall ink can be digitally segmented and distinguished. These results highlight the potential of X-ray tomography as a powerful, non-invasive tool for the structural and textual analysis of delicate manuscripts, offering new opportunities to study fragile or partially damaged books while preserving their physical integrity.