Obj. ID: 40969 Esther scroll case, Ioannina, circa 1910
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The following description was prepared by William Gross:
The Scroll of Esther tells the story of the salvation of the Jews of the Persian Empire. Since the Talmudic period it has been customary to write the Book of Esther on parchment in the form of a scroll, and the rules governing its production and writing are basically the same as those for a traditional Torah scroll. It is not known when and under what circumstances artistic embellishment of Esther scrolls began. The earliest extant illuminated Esther scrolls emanate from 16th-century Italy, commissioned by well-to-do Italian Jews. Cylindrical or polygonal cases were often made to house such scrolls, often provided with a crank handle to roll the parchment through a vertical slot. Cases were made of copper, tin, and wood, but fine silver and some ivory cases have survived as well. Such containers for the scroll were mostly produced in Italy, Austria and the Ottoman Empire.
This is the most beautiful classic example of a filigree Esther Scroll case made for the market in the Southern Ottoman Empire. The center for silver production in this area was the Greek city of Ioannina, where this exquisite case was fashioned. The parchment is very fine - thin - and the Megillah is written as a "HaMelech" scroll. Parts of the filigree are gilt to provide a beautiful contrast to the silver color of the remaining elements.