Prayer book - gold on snow - 1850-1900

Antique Catholic Missal / church booklet with a celluloid cover, mother-of-pearl and silver inlay – D. Spitaels, Antwerp – With Imprimatur (1848)
Description:
Object: Antique religious church booklet / pocket missal (paroissien).
Publisher: D. Spitaels, Antwerp.
Dating / Imprimatur: 1848 (provided with an official ecclesiastical Imprimatur).
Cover material: Celluloid (early imitation ivory) with a decorative serrated edge on the front.
Decoration: Exquisitely refined front, inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl and fine silver/metal engravings in a floral motif around a central cross. Equipped with an undecorated metal initial shield in the center.
Finish: Original metal clasp (lock) and gilded page edges.
Context and provenance: This type of luxury prayer book was often given in the 19th century by well-to-do Catholic families as a valuable commemorative gift for First Holy Communion or Confirmation. Thanks to its Antwerp origin (publisher D. Spitaels) and the early year 1848, it is a sought-after collectible for enthusiasts of religious works and antique books.