Obj. ID: 39689
Illuminated Manuscripts JHM Ornamented Esther Scroll, Morocco (?), 19th century (?)
The Hebrew text of the Book of Esther is written within rectangular panels that are separated by floral, geometric patterns, or wide colorful lines. The upper margins are decorated with abstract geometric patterns. The lower margins within the panels, as well as the opening and final sections of the scroll, are blank.
At the end of the manuscript, a not-finished draft of the decoration can be seen.
The decoration is sketched in brown ink, most likely the same that was used for writing the text.
The ornamentation of the scroll resembles the patterns adorning Oriental furniture.
sub-set tree: 
Lenght of the membranes in the scroll: 1) 650 mm, 2) 700 mm, 3) 705 mm.
Dimensions of the selected details in the scroll:
- an average letter: 2 mm;
- spaces between the lines of the text: 2 mm.
The manuscript (the text, the decorations, and the parchments) is well preserved.
The Book of Esther in Hebrew
The scroll is formed of 3 sheets containing a total of 23 columns of the text of 20 lines each, except for col. 19 which includes 11 lines divided into two half-columns.
The first membrane contains 7 columns of text, membranes nos. 2 and 3 contain 8 columns. Two columns of text (nos. 19 and 20) are written in the same panel (no. 19).
The text is written in Hebrew square Oriental script in brown ink on the flesh side of the parchment membranes that are thick, stiff, and rather bright. The blank side of the membranes is darker and slightly shiny.
The letters ח (Es. 1:6) and ת (Es. 9:29) are not highlighted.
The ruling is made with a hardpoind and it is well visible (especially the horizontal lines). The lines are made along with the membranes.
The pricking is invisible.
The membranes in the scroll are stitched together.
None
A short description of the scroll and its image are available on https://data.jck.nl/page/aggregation/jhm-museum/M000436 (accessed on 19.06.2021).