Papyrus 52 (P52) Manuscript Replica | Floating Acrylic Frame

Papyrus 52 (𝒫52), also known as the John Rylands Papyrus, is an early second-century Greek manuscript fragment of the Gospel of John, written on papyrus and preserved on both sides of a single leaf. The surviving text contains portions of John 18:31–33 on the front and John 18:37–38 on the back, recording part of the exchange between Jesus and Pontius Pilate. Dated by paleographic analysis to approximately AD 125–150, this manuscript is widely regarded as one of the earliest extant witnesses to a New Testament writing and a foundational artifact of early Christianity and biblical history.

This museum-quality facsimile has been produced through an intensive, multi-week process focused on faithfully replicating the original 𝒫52 manuscript. Careful attention is given to scale, layout, line spacing, letterforms, and material appearance, resulting in a reproduction that closely mirrors the visual character of the ancient papyrus fragment. The goal is not decoration alone, but a historically informed representation suitable for study, teaching, apologetics, and display.

The manuscript is presented in a floating, double-sided acrylic frame, allowing both the front and back of the papyrus leaf to be viewed simultaneously. The transparent design creates the appearance of the manuscript suspended in space, emphasizing its fragility, age, and historical significance. This format is ideal for those who want to appreciate the full material reality of the manuscript rather than a single surface view. The display works equally well as Bible manuscript art, academic decor, or a conversation-starting historical centerpiece.

This piece is well suited for collectors of early Christian artifacts, students of biblical history, pastors, scholars, and anyone interested in the physical transmission of Scripture. It also makes a meaningful and unique Christian gift for those who value the historical foundations of the New Testament.

Important note regarding the frame:
The floating acrylic frame is designed to be removable and may be taken apart by the owner. Once the frame has been opened, any shifting, misalignment, or repositioning of the manuscript replica is the responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for alignment issues that occur after the frame has been disassembled.

About This Replica
This item is a modern educational facsimile created by ManuscriptShop.com. It is not an original manuscript.

The replica is derived from high-resolution manuscript photography made available by the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts (CSNTM) and/or the manuscript’s owning institution, and is used with respect for applicable usage guidelines.

This product does not include or distribute original source images, nor does it grant rights to reproduce, redistribute, or commercially reuse the underlying manuscript photography.