Lot 45
Manuscript, Shaar HaKavanot - 16th-17th Century - Dozens of Signed Glosses
Manuscript of the book Shaar HaKavanot, containing the teachings of the Ari and of R. Chaim Vital, edited by his son R. Shmuel Vital. [Late 16th-early 17th centuries]. Title page in a later writing [ca. 19th century]: "Shaar HaShishi - Shaar HaKavanot arranged by R. Shmuel Vital, from the writings of his father R. Chaim Vital, which he received from his teacher, the Arizal".
An early copying of the book Shaar HaKavanot, in various handwritings in Oriental-Sephardi script. Apparently, the copying of the composition was divided in an organized manner amongst four scribes, and they took turns copying the book. It is unclear in which country the manuscript was written, if in Europe or in North Africa. The handwritings of the four scribes are different [the handwriting of the first scribe has motifs characteristic to North African script and the other three handwritings are more reminiscent of other regions (Europe, Eretz Israel-Syria and other countries). Apparently, scribes from various countries gathered in one place]. This manuscript contains most of the book Shaar HaKavanot, ending in the middle of the homilies for Hoshana Raba and lacking the teachings for Chanukah and Purim.
The manuscript has dozens of long kabbalistic glosses in Oriental script [from a later time - Turkey?/Balkans?, second half of the 19th century]. Two begin with "Yitzchak says" and dozens begin with the initials of those two words. Leaf 9 was replaced in the handwriting of that same unidentified kabbalist whose name is R. "Yitzchak". In his glosses he mentions the writings of the Rashash, and often refers to the book Torat Chacham (by R. Hayim de lah Rozah, printed in Salonika in 1848). This writer also refers to Shaar HaKavanot printed in Salonika [in 1852]. Several more glosses in a different handwriting.
[2], 65, [316] leaves. The last two leaves are bound out of order and actually belong to the section on Kabbalat Shabbat. 20 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming. Ancient leather binding, slightly worn, with embossed ornamentation. Gilt ornamentations to spine.