One and a half tonnes of ancient gradual

brussels - An ancient but well-preserved gradual, a church book with Gregorian chants, has raised Saturday at a safe Brussels 160,000 euros. The new owner is a foreign collector.

'Probably the book moves to Italy,' said a spokesman for auction house The Romantic Agony, who sold the rare work at (telephone) bidding. On top of the price is still 25 percent auction fee.

The Gradual was owned by a Belgian family. About the origin is little known. The book with an estimated value of about 60 thousandths between 1490 and 1510 probably commissioned by a wealthy art lover created in a monastery or abbey had links with the French royal house. It weighs 21 kg and has 175 pages religious music. There are twelve detailed miniatures and 218 painted capitals.