Img. ID: 11586
  Illuminated Manuscripts  

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Fol. 43: In the lower part of the text space the two-line initial words of the opening blessing to the reading of Shema, "Praised by the Lord, Source of all blessing" (ברכו את יי' המבורך) ,in the morning prayer, are written in dark brown display script within a large rectangular panel of pen-work filigree ground arranged in alternating red and blue lozenges. The panel is decorated at each corner by a medallion enclosing a two-legged hybrid in spared ground technique on a blue ground, and by another one enclosing a flower on a green ground at the centre of each longer side. Five more medallions, each encircling a hybrid on alternating green and blue ground, are placed in between the two rows of the script. The panel is framed by alternating green and magenta bow-shaped patterns. Long flourishes extend from the corner medallions along the margins of the text space reaching the upper and lower margins. Two colourful long-tailed birds are perched on the tendrils in the upper margin, while a weasel is chasing the bird on the right, whose head is partially trimmed. Below the animal is a late Italian inscription "la benola" (the weasel).