Sheet no. 3
The sixth text panel is surrounded by seven depictions. Four depictions on the right are common with the fifth text panel.
1. The depiction joins two scenes: Mordecai's triumph (Es. 6:11) and Haman's daughter who empties a chamber pot on her father's head (based on Megillah 16a).
2. The Jews rejoice after the victory over their enemies (Es. 8:16-17) - represented by four people in clown costumes, perhaps court jesters.
3. Esther before the king, possibly at the moment when he gives her Haman's property (Es. 8:1). Esther is attended by a maid, and the king's mantle tail is carried by a page.
4. Esther before the king possibly at the moment when he gives her Haman's property (Es. 8:1). Esther is attended by a maid, and the king's mantle tail is carried by a page.
5. A rider on horseback (Haman?) - it is difficult to determine which particular verse of the Book of Esther this represents.
6. Two messengers holding sticks in their hands delivering the king's decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves (Es. 8:14).
7. Three musicians playing stringed instruments - it is difficult to determine which particular verse of the Book of Esther this represents but it can show the joy of the Jews after a new decree (Es. 8:16-17).
Illustrations nos. 5-7 are party painted on the fourth membrane.
E | Esther, Book of (following the order of the story) | Mordecai's triumph (Es. 6:11)
E | Esther, Book of (following the order of the story) | Haman's daughter empties a chamber pot on her father's head (Bab. Talmud, Megillah 16a)
E | Esther, Book of (following the order of the story) | The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour (Es. 8:16-17)
P | Purim | Purim costume
E | Esther, Book of (following the order of the story) | Ahasuerus giving Esther the house of Haman (Es. 8:1)
E | Esther, Book of (following the order of the story) | Ahasuerus' messenger(s) (Es. 8:14)
M | Musical Instruments
M | Musician
H | Horse
G | Garland
E | Evronot, Book of (listed according to the types of illustration) | Illustrations of unclear link to the text | Man on horseback
O | Ornamentation: | Main text framed
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The opening section of the scroll is damaged and the membrane is crumpled here.
Some parts of the decorations are faded but still, the general condition of the manuscript is good.
The Book of Esther in Hebrew
The scroll is formed of 4 sheets, in total containing 8 columns of text with 41 or 42 lines each, except for col. 7 which has 11 lines divided into two half-columns.
Every membrane contains two columns of text; 7 of them are framed in octagons of various sizes and one is not framed.
The text is written in Hebrew square Ashkenazi script with tagin in brown ink on parchment membranes.
The letters ח (Es. 1:6) and ת (Es. 9:29) and the letters of the name of God are enlarged and bolded. Other enlarged and diminished letters are included in col. 7.
There are some corrections and erasures in the text.
The ruling is made with a hard point, along with the sheets, but only be seen only in the decorations between the panels.
The pricking on the membranes' edges can be seen.
The membranes of the scroll are glued together.
None
In the depiction of the feast by the king and the queen, the name "Esther" in pencil is written.
It seems the frames of the panels were originally painted with gold paint.
No comprehensive discussion on the scroll is available but the fragments are reproduced in numerous publications, e.g.:
Marc Michael Epstein, Skies of Parchment, Seas of Ink: Jewish Illuminated Manuscripts, Princeton, New Jersey 2015, pp. 15, 191, 219.