Img. ID: 346221
The opening decoration (the only decoration in the scroll) is formed of a schematic and symmetrical floral motif. It fills the right edge of the first membrane that is trimmed into a conical shape. The text column is inscribed in double frames.
The length of the sheets in the scroll: 1) ca. 695 mm, 2) 565 mm, 3) 555 mm, 4) 695 mm, 5) ca. 305 mm.
Dimensions of the selected details in the scroll:
- opening decoration: 92 mm (maximum width);
- text panel e.g.: 200x205; col. 12: 203x135 mm;
- outer frame: 3 mm;
- inner frame: 4 mm;
- an average letter: 4 mm;
- letters in col. 12: 9 mm;
- letter ח in Es. 1:6: 7 mm.
The Book of Esther in Hebrew
The scroll is formed of 5 sheets containing 14 columns of the text with 22 lines, except for col. 12 with 11 lines divided into two parts.
Sheets nos. 1-3 contains 3 columns of the text each, no. 4 - 4 columns, and no. 5 - one column.
The text is inscribed in the Hebrew square Italian-Sephardi script with tagin, in almost black ink, on the flesh side of parchment membranes that are very bright (the blank side of the sheets is yellow). The sheets are of different thicknesses but they all are rather stiff.
The letter ח (Es. 1:6) is highlighted by its form (it is composed of two parts joined with a roof) and additionally, it is slightly larger than an average letter in the scroll. The letter ת (Es. 9:29) is enlarged. Other enlarged and diminished letters are included in col. 12.
There are some corrections and erasures in the text.
The ruling is made with a hardpoint. The vertical lines are better visible than horizontal ones. In col. 12 every second line was marked.
The sheets in the scroll are stitched.
None
Previously the scroll must be mounted on a roller; this is suggested by holes and remains of the thread.
The ornamentation of the scroll shows a certain relationship with several other decorated scrolls and ketubbot; see e.g. the scroll, Bibliotheca Abrosiana, Milan. On the basis of the latter, the manuscripts can be dated to the 2nd half of the 18th century and connected with artists active in Ancona and/or Lugo.
For a related scroll in the Index see ID 58.
Unknown