Esther Scroll. [Russia-Poland, c. 19th century].
Ink on parchment. Fine scribal writing, Ashkenazi-Chassidic Ari script. 27 rows per column.
"HaMelech" scroll [most columns begin with the word "HaMelech"]. With "crowns" adorning the tagim at the top of each column. In seven places, enlarged letters allude to the Holy Names hinted at the beginning and end of words. [G-d's name is not mentioned throughout the entire Esther Scroll, but those who can decipher "remazim" found acronyms of Holy Names in the Megillah. the custom to highlight these Names is a common Kabbalistic-Chassidic custom, although the Vilna Gaon opines that letters can be enlarged only according to the Mesorah].
Height of parchment: 13.3 cm. Fair condition, dark stains, wear and tear, faded browning ink.