A «pocket Latin Bible» in thin parchment of lamb foetuses, manufactured in Provence around 1238 arrived in China before the end of the thirteenth century with the Franciscans sent by the Pope in search of alliances.

It was much used up for four centuries and remained probably in Zeitun, the home of a family of Mandarins, as the most ancient and enduring relic of Latin Christianity. In 1685 the little Bible was brought back to Europe and given by Fr. Couplet, seeking protection for the Jesuits in China, to Cosimo III de 'Medici.

Kept at Laurentian Library for over three centuries it is now the subject of extensive research work fori) classify small glosses ii) identify the copies out by the same laboratory, iii) study their travels round trip from China, as well as its long stay; iv) make a facsimile edition in the Treccani with an edition of essays in Italian and Chinese; v) submit to the authorities in Italy and in China, vi) put on show with a set of presentations suitable vii ) tell the story to television audiences from Europe and China with a documentary ad hoc.