Obj. ID: 53518
Illuminated Manuscripts Pizmonim, Kurdistan, circa 1875
The following description was prepared by William Gross:
The decorative scheme of Hebrew manuscript material from Kurdistan is of patterns that are common to most of the different types seen. The decorated objects most often found are marriage contracts or books of Piyyutim - liturgical poems - as in this displayed example. This phenomenon can be seen on four different examples in the gross collection in which this manuscript decoration is typical both in style and coloration. The charming, attractive flowers and birds in a highly stylized manner are common to all of them. This manuscript is an excellent example of such work, depicting as well marginal decorations on many of the pages of the prayers and poems. The texts are a collection of religious poems from the eastern lands, written in Hebrew and in Persian rendered in Hebrew letters. In this example the colors and tones used are much more delicate than in most such books and give it a special appeal to the viewer and reader.
Pages: 70
Made For: Sassoon ben Shlomo
Owner: Rachamim bar Shlomo
