Obj. ID: 53438
Hebrew Illuminated Manuscripts Sefer Chokhmat Kabbalah Ma'asiyot, Ukraine, circa 1800
The following description was prepared by William Gross:
This manuscript was originally part three of a set of three volumes of amulets. This is one of two volumes that survive in the gross collection. The first volume is missing. The subject is practical kabbalah and the extension of the Jewish mystical tradition. Practical kabbalah is the designation for the writing of amulets and the presentation of other magical formulae such as charms. Such manuscripts of Ashkenazi origin, with elaborate diagrams and illustrations of amulets, are very unusual. There is extensive use of angel writing, a highly stylized and imaginary form of Hebrew script.
The two surviving books, Volumes 2 & 3, are unsigned and without indicated place of origin. They were once in a library in Amsterdam and were bound in Paris, but the style of writing indicates a more easterly origin. The representation on 2 double pages is that of an elaborate amulet with a humanoid form using micrography. Such examples of amulets that employ a depiction of the human form are quite rare. The script on the amulets themselves is quite large and therefore extremely clear.
Pages: 95
Owner
בראש ח"א חותמת "בית המדרש אשכנזים באמשטרדם עץ חיים"
לשעבר מספרו באוסף גרוס: 180-181