The first two columns of text are surrounded by pen-and-ink lavish ornamentation. The medallions placed on the columns contain two scenes:
1. The enthroned King Ahasuerus with a scepter in his hand. Possibly he is shown here as the king over 127 provinces and the depiction alludes to Es. 1:1.
2. Esther before the king informs him about the plot against his life (Es. 2:22). In the background, the gallows with Bigthan and Teresh hanged can be seen (Es. 2:23).
The case: 180 mm (height), 40 mm (diameter).
E | Esther, Book of (following the order of the story) | *Esther's Story Characters (depicted not in narrative scenes): | Ahasuerus enthroned
E | Esther, Book of (following the order of the story) | Esther informs King Ahasuerus about the plot against him (Es. 2:22)
E | Esther, Book of (following the order of the story) | Bigthan and Teresh hanged (Es. 2:23)
C | Columns
B | Bird
O | Ornamentation: | Foliate and floral ornaments | Floral motif
A | Acanthus Leaf
O | Ornamentation: | Cartouche
A | Angel | Angel's head
O | Ornamentation: | Main text framed
|
The scroll is well preserved, only some slight damages on the final part of the scroll can be seen.
The Book of Esther in Hebrew
The scroll contains a total of 7 columns of text with 30 lines each, except for col. 6 which has 11 lines divided into two half-columns.
The text is written in Hebrew square script with tagin in brown ink on parchment membranes.
The letters ח (Es. 1:6) and ת (Es. 9:29) are enlarged and bolded. Other enlarged and diminished letters are included in col. 6.
The ruling and pricking are invisible.
None
The text panels vary in width.
A short description and images are available on https://data.jck.nl/page/aggregation/jhm-museum/M000434 (accessed on 10.07.2021).