Taking into account, the fragile nature of the object, it is quite well preserved, even if it lacks its opening decoration and initial benedictions.
It is stored in a frame with glass.
Text columns nos. 2-5 (sheet no. 1) surrounded by decorations cut-out in parchment membrane. The upper margin shows the narrative scenes from the Book of Esther and Genesis that are rather difficult to recognize: possibly Esther who informs the king about the plot against him (Es. 2:22), and Bigthan and Teresh to be hanged (Es. 2:23), a kneeling woman (Sarah?) who can be related to the next episode showing a man with three angels - Abraham and three angels visiting him. The lower margin is decorated with an unidentified group of people, possibly a hunting scene, and a few animals including turtles (?) and a squirrel. The text is written within the arches separated by entwined columns with flowers placed on their capitals.
The Book of Esther in Hebrew with a final benediction and shortened version of "Arur Haman"
The scroll is formed of 4 sheets containing 23 columns of the text (+ additional column for a benediction) with 18 or 19 lines except for col. 19 with 11 lines and col. 23 with 12 lines (some of them are very short).
The number of the text columns per sheet: no. 1 - 6, no. 2 - 7, no. 3 - 8, no. 4 - 2 + additional column.
The text is inscribed in the Hebrew square Ashkenazi script with tagin, in light brown ink, on parchment membranes that are bright.
The letter ח (Es. 1:6) is slightly larger than an average letter in the scroll; it is formed of two parts joined with a roof. The letter ת (Es. 9:29) is enlarged. Other enlarged and diminished letters are included in col. 13.
In col. 18 some lines are shorter, so the next column could include solely the Haman's sons section.
The length of the lines in the column varies; they fit the shape of panels.
The ruling and pricking are invisible.
The membranes in the scroll are stitched together.
Benedictions
None
The scroll is mentioned in:
Treasures of Jewish Heritage. The Jewish Museum London, eds. Rickie Burman, Jennifer Marin, and Lily Steadman (London 2006), 62-63.
Two other scrolls sharing the same pattern are mentioned in:
Art and Tradition. Treasures of Jewish Life from the Reuben and Helene Dennis Museum, Beth Tzedec Synagogue, ed. Dorion Liebgott, Toronto 2000, 70-71.
Judith C.E. Belinfante, Joods Historisch Museum / Jewish Historical Museum, Nederlandse Musea III, Haarlem 1978, 47.