Rare 1,800‑Year‑Old Homer Fragment on Sale at Abu Dhabi Book Fair
At the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, a stand of rare manuscripts and artifacts offers a glimpse into centuries of literary and cultural history. Highlights include a 1,800‑year‑old Homer fragment, a jeweled 17th‑century Bible, Japanese picture scrolls, and a bronze sculpture of Sheikh Zayed’s…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Visitors to the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair are treated to an extraordinary collection of rare books, manuscripts and artifacts that span more than two millennia. The stand, curated by Austrian dealer Yasser Raad, showcases items that are not only historically significant but also visually stunning, offering a rare opportunity for collectors, museums and the public to see these treasures up close.
1,800‑Year‑Old Homer Fragment
The centerpiece of the display is a fragment of a papyrus manuscript of Homer’s Iliad dated to the second century CE, making it roughly 1,800 years old. The fragment is written on papyrus, the same material that ancient civilizations used for writing before parchment and paper became common. According to Raad, this piece represents a surviving strand of the manuscript tradition that has preserved Homer’s epic over centuries. While traditional book collectors may not seek such fragments, institutions such as museums, libraries and research institutes are keen to acquire them for their historical value and to ensure their preservation.
Raad also notes that another fragment of a Homer manuscript is on display and is being offered for sale to collectors for several hundred thousand euros. The rarity of such items is underscored by the fact that only a handful of papyrus fragments of the Iliad survive to this day.
17th‑Century Jeweled Bible
Nearby, a 17th‑century Bible decorated with gold leaf and precious stones commands a price of €65,000. The Bible was originally a wedding gift, later passing into the library of a German princess. Its cover is gold‑plated and studded with stones, while the edges of the pages are gilded. A design depicting two hands joined together—symbolizing marriage—occupies the front cover, with a central cross. Raad explained that the stones were intended to protect the Bible, a common practice in royal gifts of the era.
Japanese Picture Scrolls
The stand also features a set of five Japanese picture scrolls from 1658. When unrolled end to end, the scrolls stretch to about nine metres and contain 26 illustrations that narrate a tale of romance, revenge and war. Raad described the experience of viewing the scrolls as a form of storytelling entertainment that predates modern cinema. The scrolls are housed in a leather and gold‑decorated box, which is also part of the collection. The set is priced at €450,000.
Historical Photograph of the Gulf
Among the artifacts is an early photograph taken by Charles Courtenay Bell, a British naval officer who travelled through the Gulf region in the early 20th century. The image, captioned “Sheikh of Sharjah,” offers a rare glimpse of the area during that period. A second photograph from the same event, held by the British Library, shows the subjects from a different angle. These photographs are valuable for historians studying the Gulf’s colonial era.
Sheikh Zayed’s Falcon No. 1 Sculpture
A personal connection to the United Arab Emirates is highlighted by a life‑size bronze sculpture of Sheikh Zayed’s favourite falcon, “No. 1.” The sculpture was created by British wildlife sculptor and painter David Cemmick, who was invited to Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Zayed in 2000. Cemmick had access to the ruler’s falconry training ground in Sweihan and the wildlife collection on Sir Bani Yas Island, where he studied and painted the falcons. The bronze sculpture was cast and hand‑painted by Cemmick, making it a unique artist’s cast. Raad mentioned that another sculpture believed to have been made for Sheikh Zayed may still exist, though its whereabouts are unknown.
Overall, the stand at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair offers a unique blend of literary, artistic and cultural artifacts. From ancient Greek manuscripts to 17th‑century religious texts, from Japanese narrative scrolls to early Gulf photographs, and even a contemporary bronze sculpture, the collection provides a tangible link to the past and a celebration of the region’s rich heritage.
What Happens Next?
Collectors and institutions interested in these items are encouraged to contact the dealer, Yasser Raad, for further details on availability and pricing. The fair itself continues to attract buyers and scholars from around the world, providing a platform for the exchange of rare cultural treasures.
Key facts
- 1,800‑year‑old Homer fragment on papyrus
- 17th‑century jeweled Bible gifted as a wedding present
- Japanese scrolls from 1658 spanning nine metres
- Early 20th‑century Gulf photograph by Charles Courtenay Bell
- Bronze sculpture of Sheikh Zayed’s falcon No. 1 by David Cemmick
Why it matters
These artifacts offer a rare window into the literary and cultural history of the ancient world, the early modern period, and the Gulf region, making them invaluable for scholars, collectors and the public alike.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Yasser Raad?
Yasser Raad is the director of Austrian rare‑book and manuscript dealer Inlibris, responsible for curating the stand at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
What is the value of the Homer fragment?
The fragment is part of a larger collection of Homer manuscripts and is being offered to collectors for several hundred thousand euros.
Where can I see the Japanese scrolls?
The scrolls are displayed at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and are available for viewing by appointment.
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “1,800-year-old Homer, Sheikh Zayed's falcon No 1: Rare items at Abu Dhabi Book Fair”
