Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
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![Manuscript, segulot, cures, and various recommendations. Handwritten by R. Chaim Vital. [Turn of the 17th century].
Leaf wr](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/79_1.jpg "Leaf Handwritten by Rabbi Chaim Vital – Segulot and Cures")
![Manuscript, segulot, cures, and various recommendations. Handwritten by R. Chaim Vital. [Turn of the 17th century].
Leaf wr](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/79_2.jpg "Leaf Handwritten by Rabbi Chaim Vital – Segulot and Cures")
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $30,000
Estimate: $30,000 - $40,000
Sold for: $37,500
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, segulot, cures, and various recommendations. Handwritten by R. Chaim Vital. [Turn of the 17th century].
Leaf written on both sides, two columns per page. Approximately 160 lines handwritten by R. Chaim Vital. Fragment of a composition on segulot and cures authored by R. Chaim Vital, part II, sections 162-175.
This leaf contains various segulot by R. Chaim Vital, including: "The method of giving an ill person a cup of asparagus to drink…", "the method of preparation of tablets that strengthen the heart of an ill person…", "for a healthy or ill person suffering from a headache…", "wonderful ointments… for every injury and wound…", "for killing lice that grow on a woman's head…", "for a wasp sting or the sting of a bee that doesn't produce honey, whose sting is worse than a wasp sting…", "for a toothache…".
The holy kabbalist R. Chaim Vital (Maharchu) was the foremost disciple and transmitter of the teachings of the holy Arizal. He was born in 1542 in Safed, which was at the time the spiritual center for eminent and G-d fearing Torah scholars. R. Yosef Karo, author of Shulchan Aruch, led the Torah scholars of the city at that time, including the Ramak, R. Shlomo Alkabetz (author of Lecha Dodi), the Mabit, R. Moshe Alshech and others. R. Chaim Vital studied Torah from R. Moshe Alshech, leading disciple of the Beit Yosef. In his book Sefer HaChezyonot, R. Chaim Vital mentions his studies under the Alshech in 1557 (at the age of 14), and relates that R. Yosef Karo instructed his teacher R. Moshe Alshech that year, in the name of the angel who spoke to him, to be very conscientious to teach him with all his might. R. Moshe Alshech also ordained R. Chaim with the authority of the semicha he himself received from R. Yosef Karo. Concurrently, R. Chaim Vital began studying Kabbalah in the study hall of R. Moshe Cordovero, the Ramak. In 1570, R. Yitzchak Luria, the Arizal, moved from Egypt to Eretz Israel and settled in Safed. That year, the Ramak died and the Arizal succeeded him. The Arizal's eminence was recognized in Safed and R. Chaim Vital became his closest disciple and the supreme authority on the Arizal's kabbalistic teachings. For two years, R. Chaim Vital sat before the Arizal and recorded every word his teacher uttered.
The writings of R. Chaim Vital are the fundaments of the Arizal's teachings which were disseminated in later generations. The Chida relates (Shem HaGedolim, R. Chaim Vital) that R. Chaim Vital did not permit anyone to copy these writings, however once, while he was seriously ill, the kabbalists bribed his household members to give them 600 leaves of his writings, which they had copied in three days "by 100 scribes". After the passing of the Arizal, R. Chaim Vital moved to Egypt. He then returned to Eretz Israel and resided for a while in Jerusalem, later moving to Damascus where he passed away in 1620. He recorded the primary teachings of the Ari in his composition Etz Chaim and in Shemona She'arim which his son R. Shmuel Vital arranged following his instructions. Although the Arizal authorized only R. Chaim Vital to write and explain his teachings, compositions written by his other disciples exist as well. The leading kabbalists of subsequent generations constantly stressed that R. Chaim Vital is the supreme authority for explaining the Ari's teachings and warned not to rely on the writings of any other disciple. R. Chaim Vital himself writes in the preface to his book Etz Chaim: "Know that from the day my teacher began to reveal this wisdom, I did not leave him even for a moment. And any writings you may find in his name, which differ from that which I have written in this book, is a definite error since they did not comprehend his words…". R. Chaim Vital attempted to limit spreading the Arizal's teachings and instructed to bury many of his writings on the Arizal's teachings in his grave. His writings were published only after his passing, in various forms and redactions. The scholars of his times performed a "dream question", consequently removing many leaves from his grave, which served as a basis for other compositions on the Arizal's teachings (see Kabbalat HaAri by R. Yosef Avivi). The books he wrote of the Arizal's teachings include: Etz Chaim, Shemona She'arim, Otzrot Chaim, Adam Yashar, Derech Etz Chaim, Pri Etz Chaim, Shaarei Kedusha, and more.
This book of cures by R. Chaim Vital is known by several titles: Sefer HaPe'ulot, Taalumot Chochma, Sefer Kabbalah Maasit, Sefer HaRefuot, Refuot U'Segulot. This composition was not printed together with the rest of his writings. Over the years, only a few sections were printed in books of segulot and cures. Recently, it has been printed in full (Sefer HaPe'ulot, Modiin Illit, 2010).
The Chida described the preeminence and holiness of R. Chaim Vital: "his soul was very exceptional, and cleaner than that of all other people in his times". It is known that he foresaw many events with his divine spirit. He documented his amazing visions in his diary, which was partially printed under the name Shivchei R. Chaim Vital and was recently published in full in the book Sefer HaChezyonot.
[1] leaf (2 written pages, approx. 160 autograph lines). 19.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal tears, repaired in part. Placed in elegant leather binder, with gilt decorations.
Expert report enclosed.
Leaf written on both sides, two columns per page. Approximately 160 lines handwritten by R. Chaim Vital. Fragment of a composition on segulot and cures authored by R. Chaim Vital, part II, sections 162-175.
This leaf contains various segulot by R. Chaim Vital, including: "The method of giving an ill person a cup of asparagus to drink…", "the method of preparation of tablets that strengthen the heart of an ill person…", "for a healthy or ill person suffering from a headache…", "wonderful ointments… for every injury and wound…", "for killing lice that grow on a woman's head…", "for a wasp sting or the sting of a bee that doesn't produce honey, whose sting is worse than a wasp sting…", "for a toothache…".
The holy kabbalist R. Chaim Vital (Maharchu) was the foremost disciple and transmitter of the teachings of the holy Arizal. He was born in 1542 in Safed, which was at the time the spiritual center for eminent and G-d fearing Torah scholars. R. Yosef Karo, author of Shulchan Aruch, led the Torah scholars of the city at that time, including the Ramak, R. Shlomo Alkabetz (author of Lecha Dodi), the Mabit, R. Moshe Alshech and others. R. Chaim Vital studied Torah from R. Moshe Alshech, leading disciple of the Beit Yosef. In his book Sefer HaChezyonot, R. Chaim Vital mentions his studies under the Alshech in 1557 (at the age of 14), and relates that R. Yosef Karo instructed his teacher R. Moshe Alshech that year, in the name of the angel who spoke to him, to be very conscientious to teach him with all his might. R. Moshe Alshech also ordained R. Chaim with the authority of the semicha he himself received from R. Yosef Karo. Concurrently, R. Chaim Vital began studying Kabbalah in the study hall of R. Moshe Cordovero, the Ramak. In 1570, R. Yitzchak Luria, the Arizal, moved from Egypt to Eretz Israel and settled in Safed. That year, the Ramak died and the Arizal succeeded him. The Arizal's eminence was recognized in Safed and R. Chaim Vital became his closest disciple and the supreme authority on the Arizal's kabbalistic teachings. For two years, R. Chaim Vital sat before the Arizal and recorded every word his teacher uttered.
The writings of R. Chaim Vital are the fundaments of the Arizal's teachings which were disseminated in later generations. The Chida relates (Shem HaGedolim, R. Chaim Vital) that R. Chaim Vital did not permit anyone to copy these writings, however once, while he was seriously ill, the kabbalists bribed his household members to give them 600 leaves of his writings, which they had copied in three days "by 100 scribes". After the passing of the Arizal, R. Chaim Vital moved to Egypt. He then returned to Eretz Israel and resided for a while in Jerusalem, later moving to Damascus where he passed away in 1620. He recorded the primary teachings of the Ari in his composition Etz Chaim and in Shemona She'arim which his son R. Shmuel Vital arranged following his instructions. Although the Arizal authorized only R. Chaim Vital to write and explain his teachings, compositions written by his other disciples exist as well. The leading kabbalists of subsequent generations constantly stressed that R. Chaim Vital is the supreme authority for explaining the Ari's teachings and warned not to rely on the writings of any other disciple. R. Chaim Vital himself writes in the preface to his book Etz Chaim: "Know that from the day my teacher began to reveal this wisdom, I did not leave him even for a moment. And any writings you may find in his name, which differ from that which I have written in this book, is a definite error since they did not comprehend his words…". R. Chaim Vital attempted to limit spreading the Arizal's teachings and instructed to bury many of his writings on the Arizal's teachings in his grave. His writings were published only after his passing, in various forms and redactions. The scholars of his times performed a "dream question", consequently removing many leaves from his grave, which served as a basis for other compositions on the Arizal's teachings (see Kabbalat HaAri by R. Yosef Avivi). The books he wrote of the Arizal's teachings include: Etz Chaim, Shemona She'arim, Otzrot Chaim, Adam Yashar, Derech Etz Chaim, Pri Etz Chaim, Shaarei Kedusha, and more.
This book of cures by R. Chaim Vital is known by several titles: Sefer HaPe'ulot, Taalumot Chochma, Sefer Kabbalah Maasit, Sefer HaRefuot, Refuot U'Segulot. This composition was not printed together with the rest of his writings. Over the years, only a few sections were printed in books of segulot and cures. Recently, it has been printed in full (Sefer HaPe'ulot, Modiin Illit, 2010).
The Chida described the preeminence and holiness of R. Chaim Vital: "his soul was very exceptional, and cleaner than that of all other people in his times". It is known that he foresaw many events with his divine spirit. He documented his amazing visions in his diary, which was partially printed under the name Shivchei R. Chaim Vital and was recently published in full in the book Sefer HaChezyonot.
[1] leaf (2 written pages, approx. 160 autograph lines). 19.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Marginal tears, repaired in part. Placed in elegant leather binder, with gilt decorations.
Expert report enclosed.
Category
Eretz Israeli, Oriental and Maghrebi Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $8,000
Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000
Sold for: $16,250
Including buyer's premium
– With Unpublished Novellae by the Arizal – Jerusalem, 1640s
Category
Eretz Israeli, Oriental and Maghrebi Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $8,000
Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000
Sold for: $17,500
Including buyer's premium
Letter from R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai – the Chida.
Most of the letter is in Spanish, and it concludes with two lines in Hebrew, handwritten and signed by the Chida. The letter was presumably sent to the Vaad Pekidei Kushta (committee based in Constantinople centralizing the financial assistance to the residents of Eretz Israel), and mentions the appointment of the Chida as emissary on behalf of the Hebron community; an appointment which was authorized by the Vaad Pekidei Kushta.
At the foot of the letter in Spanish, the Chida added blessings in his handwriting: " Blessings of goodness, as our forefathers Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov were blessed... May He take them and carry them everlastingly, and their sons forever, as princes in the entire land, for eternal life", followed by the Chida's famous calligraphic signature: " Chaim Yosef David Azulai".
The Chida – R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai (1724-1806) was a leading halachic authority, Kabbalist, outstanding Torah scholar, prolific author and famous emissary. Born in Jerusalem to R. Refael Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai, a Jerusalem scholar and great-grandson of the kabbalist R. Avraham Azulai author of Chesed LeAvraham. From his early years, he was a disciple of leading Jerusalemite Torah scholars and kabbalists, including R. Chaim ben Attar, the Or HaChaim. He began studying kabbalah at the Beit El Yeshiva for kabbalists headed by R. Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi – the Rashash, alongside with his colleague R. Yom Tov Algazi.
In 1753, he embarked on his first mission as emissary on behalf of the Hebron community. During the course of his five years of travel, he passed through Italy, Germany, Holland, England and France. During this mission, his name began to spread. Wherever he traversed, he attracted a great deal of attention and many acknowledged his greatness. In 1773, the Chida embarked on an additional mission on behalf of the Hebron community, leaving a profound imprint on all the places he visited. At the end of this journey, he settled in Livorno, Italy, serving there as rabbi. In Livorno he published most of his books.
The Chida was among the greatest authors of all times and composed more than 80 works in all facets of Torah, including his composition Birkei Yosef, a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch which greatly impacted the field of halachic rulings. His books were accepted throughout the Diaspora, and were regarded with great esteem. The majority of his compositions were written while he was preoccupied with his travels or other matters, and with access to very few books, and this attests to his tremendous erudition and phenomenal memory. In each city the Chida visited, he would inspect the local libraries and search for unknown manuscripts and compositions written by prominent Torah scholars. Due to the great respect and admiration he evoked, he was granted authorization to enter large libraries and museums, such as the National Library of France, where he spent many hours copying important manuscripts. The vast knowledge he gleaned during these opportunities pervade all his books, particularly his bibliographic masterpiece Shem HaGedolim.
[1] leaf. 27 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Folding marks.
Most of the letter is in Spanish, and it concludes with two lines in Hebrew, handwritten and signed by the Chida. The letter was presumably sent to the Vaad Pekidei Kushta (committee based in Constantinople centralizing the financial assistance to the residents of Eretz Israel), and mentions the appointment of the Chida as emissary on behalf of the Hebron community; an appointment which was authorized by the Vaad Pekidei Kushta.
At the foot of the letter in Spanish, the Chida added blessings in his handwriting: " Blessings of goodness, as our forefathers Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov were blessed... May He take them and carry them everlastingly, and their sons forever, as princes in the entire land, for eternal life", followed by the Chida's famous calligraphic signature: " Chaim Yosef David Azulai".
The Chida – R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai (1724-1806) was a leading halachic authority, Kabbalist, outstanding Torah scholar, prolific author and famous emissary. Born in Jerusalem to R. Refael Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai, a Jerusalem scholar and great-grandson of the kabbalist R. Avraham Azulai author of Chesed LeAvraham. From his early years, he was a disciple of leading Jerusalemite Torah scholars and kabbalists, including R. Chaim ben Attar, the Or HaChaim. He began studying kabbalah at the Beit El Yeshiva for kabbalists headed by R. Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi – the Rashash, alongside with his colleague R. Yom Tov Algazi.
In 1753, he embarked on his first mission as emissary on behalf of the Hebron community. During the course of his five years of travel, he passed through Italy, Germany, Holland, England and France. During this mission, his name began to spread. Wherever he traversed, he attracted a great deal of attention and many acknowledged his greatness. In 1773, the Chida embarked on an additional mission on behalf of the Hebron community, leaving a profound imprint on all the places he visited. At the end of this journey, he settled in Livorno, Italy, serving there as rabbi. In Livorno he published most of his books.
The Chida was among the greatest authors of all times and composed more than 80 works in all facets of Torah, including his composition Birkei Yosef, a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch which greatly impacted the field of halachic rulings. His books were accepted throughout the Diaspora, and were regarded with great esteem. The majority of his compositions were written while he was preoccupied with his travels or other matters, and with access to very few books, and this attests to his tremendous erudition and phenomenal memory. In each city the Chida visited, he would inspect the local libraries and search for unknown manuscripts and compositions written by prominent Torah scholars. Due to the great respect and admiration he evoked, he was granted authorization to enter large libraries and museums, such as the National Library of France, where he spent many hours copying important manuscripts. The vast knowledge he gleaned during these opportunities pervade all his books, particularly his bibliographic masterpiece Shem HaGedolim.
[1] leaf. 27 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Folding marks.
Category
Eretz Israeli, Oriental and Maghrebi Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000
Unsold
Tikunei HaZohar, by R. Shimon Bar Yochai, with the commentary of R. Moshe Zacuto – the Remez. Livorno: Castello and Saadon, [1789]. First edition to include the commentary of the Remez.
Unique copy printed especially for the Chida, by his disciples and associates, Torah scholars of Livorno, who were involved in the publication of this edition: the publishers – R. Yaakov Nunes Vais (rabbi of Livorno) and R. Avraham Alnakar (who inserted fourteen of his piyyutim in this edition), and the printers – the partners R. Avraham Yitzchak Castello and R. Eliezer Saadon (most of the works of the Chida were printed in their press).
The title page features a special inscription: "Printed for the outstanding Torah scholar… R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai…". The inscription was included in the present copy only. Other copies of this edition feature a decorative element instead (one other unique copy of this book is known to us, with the following dedication: "For the wealthy… Avraham Franchetti…". Regarding the practice of printing special copies for wealthy or important figures, see post of R. Avishai Elbaum, in the Am HaSefer blog, 29th January 2014).
In 1738, upon completing his second mission, the Chida settled in Livorno. He remained there until his passing, and was engaged in studying and disseminating Torah, composing and publishing his books. Despite repeated entreaties, he refused to serve as rabbi of the community, yet was nevertheless considered the foremost Torah scholar in the city. All the rabbis in Livorno deferred to him, and his decision was conclusive on all important questions and problems in the community.
A group of Torah scholars gathered around the Chida in Livorno; it is also known that the Chida established there the Chadashim LaBekarim society. Prof. Meir Benayahu (in his book on the Chida, p. 67) suggests that the Chida founded in Livorno another, secret society of elite Torah scholars who adopted kabbalistic practices, and reached a particularly high level in knowledge of Torah and kabbalah, perhaps a kind of continuation of the Ahavat Shalom society in Jerusalem. The society which gathered around the Chida in Livorno was comprised of his associates, local rabbis who reverently regarded him as their teacher. These include the partners who produced this Tikunei HaZohar edition, and one can assume that the Chida had an impact on this edition.
The publishers of this edition were R. Yaakov Nunes Vais (rabbi of Livorno; mentions the Chida in every section of his book with the reverence of a disciple to his teacher, and the Chida from his part refers to him with much love and honor) and R. Avraham Alnakar (rabbi and kabbalist, a Torah scholar of Fez, settled in Livorno and became associated with the Chida. Reputed for the Zechor LeAvraham machzor which he published in Livorno with the help and guidance of the Chida). R. Eliezer Saadon, a young Torah scholar in Livorno, was also very attached to the Chida and published most of the latter's works in his printing firm (originally in partnership with R. Avraham Yitzchak Castello. After the latter's passing, the printing press remained in his sole ownership).
Inscriptions on the title page, including: "Acquired from the wealthy and exalted scholar, R. Sh.T. [Shem Tov] son of R. Refael HaLevi". Several glosses in Sephardic script on p. 73b (somewhat resembling the handwriting of the Chida). Several brief glosses on other leaves.
[4], 166 leaves. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dampstains and dark stains. Damage and extensive worming, affecting text in several places, professionally restored with paper. New binding.
Unique copy printed especially for the Chida, by his disciples and associates, Torah scholars of Livorno, who were involved in the publication of this edition: the publishers – R. Yaakov Nunes Vais (rabbi of Livorno) and R. Avraham Alnakar (who inserted fourteen of his piyyutim in this edition), and the printers – the partners R. Avraham Yitzchak Castello and R. Eliezer Saadon (most of the works of the Chida were printed in their press).
The title page features a special inscription: "Printed for the outstanding Torah scholar… R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai…". The inscription was included in the present copy only. Other copies of this edition feature a decorative element instead (one other unique copy of this book is known to us, with the following dedication: "For the wealthy… Avraham Franchetti…". Regarding the practice of printing special copies for wealthy or important figures, see post of R. Avishai Elbaum, in the Am HaSefer blog, 29th January 2014).
In 1738, upon completing his second mission, the Chida settled in Livorno. He remained there until his passing, and was engaged in studying and disseminating Torah, composing and publishing his books. Despite repeated entreaties, he refused to serve as rabbi of the community, yet was nevertheless considered the foremost Torah scholar in the city. All the rabbis in Livorno deferred to him, and his decision was conclusive on all important questions and problems in the community.
A group of Torah scholars gathered around the Chida in Livorno; it is also known that the Chida established there the Chadashim LaBekarim society. Prof. Meir Benayahu (in his book on the Chida, p. 67) suggests that the Chida founded in Livorno another, secret society of elite Torah scholars who adopted kabbalistic practices, and reached a particularly high level in knowledge of Torah and kabbalah, perhaps a kind of continuation of the Ahavat Shalom society in Jerusalem. The society which gathered around the Chida in Livorno was comprised of his associates, local rabbis who reverently regarded him as their teacher. These include the partners who produced this Tikunei HaZohar edition, and one can assume that the Chida had an impact on this edition.
The publishers of this edition were R. Yaakov Nunes Vais (rabbi of Livorno; mentions the Chida in every section of his book with the reverence of a disciple to his teacher, and the Chida from his part refers to him with much love and honor) and R. Avraham Alnakar (rabbi and kabbalist, a Torah scholar of Fez, settled in Livorno and became associated with the Chida. Reputed for the Zechor LeAvraham machzor which he published in Livorno with the help and guidance of the Chida). R. Eliezer Saadon, a young Torah scholar in Livorno, was also very attached to the Chida and published most of the latter's works in his printing firm (originally in partnership with R. Avraham Yitzchak Castello. After the latter's passing, the printing press remained in his sole ownership).
Inscriptions on the title page, including: "Acquired from the wealthy and exalted scholar, R. Sh.T. [Shem Tov] son of R. Refael HaLevi". Several glosses in Sephardic script on p. 73b (somewhat resembling the handwriting of the Chida). Several brief glosses on other leaves.
[4], 166 leaves. 22 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dampstains and dark stains. Damage and extensive worming, affecting text in several places, professionally restored with paper. New binding.
Category
Eretz Israeli, Oriental and Maghrebi Rabbis
Catalogue
![Emissary letter for R. Yaakov Ashkenazi, signed by leading rabbis of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, [1758].
Addressed to the Rabbi o](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/83.jpg "Emissary Letter from 1758 – Signed by Leading Jerusalemite Rabbis – Th")
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $2,500
Including buyer's premium
Emissary letter for R. Yaakov Ashkenazi, signed by leading rabbis of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, [1758].
Addressed to the Rabbi of the Alessandria della Paglia community in Italy.
Neat scribal script, with the calligraphic signatures of four leading rabbis in Jerusalem (in order of signatures): R. Refael Meyuchas son of R. Shmuel, author of Pri HaAdamah; R. Refael Moshe Bula, author of Get Mekushar; R. Refael Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai, father of the Chida; and R. Nissim Beracha, father-in-law of the Chida.
In this letter, the rabbis of Jerusalem describe the devastation wrought by the rains in Jerusalem, including the destruction of the synagogue which housed the boys' school, where over 500 young boys studied, and the damage to the cemetery.
the address of the recipient, "To the great Torah scholar… rabbi of Alessandria della Paglia…", appears on verso.
The signatories of this letter:
R. Refael Meyuchas son of R. Shmuel (1695-1771), Rishon Letzion and rabbi of Jerusalem, author of Pri HaAdama and Mizbach Adama. The Chida served as dayan in his Beit Din.
R. Refael Moshe Bula (d. 1773), served as Rishon LeTzion for a half a year before his passing. Authored Get Mekushar and other works.
R. Refael Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai (1702-1765), a leading Torah scholar and kabbalist in Jerusalem, member of the Beit Yaakov Beit Midrash, dean of the yeshiva founded by the wealthy Mordechai Tallouk (named Gedulat Mordechai), alongside his brother-in-law R. Yonah Navon. His eldest son was the Chida, who quotes him extensively in his works.
R. Nissim Beracha, leading Jerusalem rabbi and Torah scholar of the Neveh Shalom yeshiva. The Chida married his daughter Rachel. The Chida refers to his father-in-law with great titles of honor.
[1] double leaf. 33 cm. Good-fair condition. A few stains. Marginal wear and tears. Folding marks and creases. Early (erroneous) inscription beneath the signature of R. Refael Meyuchas. Owner's stamp on verso.
Addressed to the Rabbi of the Alessandria della Paglia community in Italy.
Neat scribal script, with the calligraphic signatures of four leading rabbis in Jerusalem (in order of signatures): R. Refael Meyuchas son of R. Shmuel, author of Pri HaAdamah; R. Refael Moshe Bula, author of Get Mekushar; R. Refael Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai, father of the Chida; and R. Nissim Beracha, father-in-law of the Chida.
In this letter, the rabbis of Jerusalem describe the devastation wrought by the rains in Jerusalem, including the destruction of the synagogue which housed the boys' school, where over 500 young boys studied, and the damage to the cemetery.
the address of the recipient, "To the great Torah scholar… rabbi of Alessandria della Paglia…", appears on verso.
The signatories of this letter:
R. Refael Meyuchas son of R. Shmuel (1695-1771), Rishon Letzion and rabbi of Jerusalem, author of Pri HaAdama and Mizbach Adama. The Chida served as dayan in his Beit Din.
R. Refael Moshe Bula (d. 1773), served as Rishon LeTzion for a half a year before his passing. Authored Get Mekushar and other works.
R. Refael Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai (1702-1765), a leading Torah scholar and kabbalist in Jerusalem, member of the Beit Yaakov Beit Midrash, dean of the yeshiva founded by the wealthy Mordechai Tallouk (named Gedulat Mordechai), alongside his brother-in-law R. Yonah Navon. His eldest son was the Chida, who quotes him extensively in his works.
R. Nissim Beracha, leading Jerusalem rabbi and Torah scholar of the Neveh Shalom yeshiva. The Chida married his daughter Rachel. The Chida refers to his father-in-law with great titles of honor.
[1] double leaf. 33 cm. Good-fair condition. A few stains. Marginal wear and tears. Folding marks and creases. Early (erroneous) inscription beneath the signature of R. Refael Meyuchas. Owner's stamp on verso.
Category
Eretz Israeli, Oriental and Maghrebi Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Lengthy letter handwritten and signed by R. Chaim Palachi Rabbi of Izmir, addressed to R. Tzvi Hirsch Lehren head of the Pekidim and Amarkalim in Amsterdam. Izmir, Rosh Chodesh Sivan 1845.
Appeal letter sent by R. Chaim Palachi following the fire which broke out in Izmir in 1845. R. Chaim describes the destruction caused by the fire and his distress, particularly from the loss of his books: "The fire has left us destitute… especially the lack of books which are our very life and without which we are deemed dead… not to mention the absence of many material necessities, the lack of sustenance and adequate clothing. Especially since we have two adult girls, my daughter and the daughter of my eldest son R. Avraham… Woe to us that this has happened in our times…".
R. Chaim Palachi relates that he sent appeal letters to others, including Baron Rothschild of Frankfurt am Main and R. Aharon Fuld (a rabbi in Frankfurt), and complains that he didn't receive a response. He concludes with blessings: "Until old age, with much wealth, honor, strength and peace, Chaim Palachi".
Izmir was struck by large fires every few years. In his books, R. Chaim Palachi mentions the fires of 1772, 1811, 1837, 1841 and 1845. These fires destroyed houses with all their contents, and many were left without a roof over their head, with no food or clothing. These fires also caused a lost for posterity, with the destruction of thousands of precious manuscripts and books. R. Chaim himself lost over fifty manuscript compositions to the fire of 1841 (regarding the loss of books in fires in Izmir, see: Yaari, HaDfus HaIvri BeIzmir, Areshet I, 1959, pp. 115-116; see also: Meir Benayahu, The Great Fires in Izmir and Adrianopolis, Reshumot II, 1946, pp. 144-155).
R. Chaim Palachi – HaChabif (1787-1868), an outstanding Torah scholar well versed in hidden and revealed realms of the Torah. He served as rabbi of Izmir and was a leading Torah scholar of his generation. He composed seventy-two books (corresponding with the numerical value of his name Chaim, adding the number of letters), on Halachah, Aggadah and ethics. He was the close disciple of his mother's father, the renowned Torah scholar R. Refael Yosef Hazan, author of Chikrei Lev. In his books, R. Chaim extensively quotes his grandfather, as well as his father R. Yaakov Palachi. At the age of 25, in a ceremony attended by the entire community, R. Chaim was accorded rabbinical ordination by his grandfather, who bedecked him with a special rabbinic robe he personally purchased, in honor of his earning the title of "HaChacham HaShalem".
Over the years, he rose in the ranks of rabbinic hierarchy, reaching the position of "HaRav HaKollel", head of the Izmir Beit Din, and was recognized by the Turkish government as Chacham Bashi. His exceptional wisdom and eminence in Torah earned him the status of rabbi of the city. The Jewish community in Izmir was comprised in those days of various congregations, each with different customs and their own rabbi, and only R. Chaim bore absolute authority, his rulings and opinions being accepted by all the congregations in the city. His halachic authority exceeded the boundaries of the city, and he earned worldwide recognition as a posek, responding to thousands of queries addressed to him from all over the world, even beyond the Ottoman Empire, such as Poland, Germany and North Africa.
R. Chaim was a most prolific author, covering all subjects of the Torah. He composed many works, of Talmudic commentary, halachic rulings, homiletics and Aggadah. When the fire broke out in 1841, he had already produced dozens of manuscript compositions, which he toiled on from a young age. The fire consumed 54 of his compositions (see in more detail in Kedem Auction 63, item 66). Despite the great tragedy of the loss of most of his writings, he gathered strength and went ahead composing new works. In the books he printed after the fire, he would add at the foot of the title page the serial number of the composition. The names of his books usually allude to his name Chaim in various ways (Nefesh Chaim, Chaim Techila, Torah VeChaim, Chaim LeRosh, Chaim VeShalom, Kaf HaChaim, Re'eh Chaim, HaKatuv LaChaim, Yimtza Chaim, Birkat Moadecha LeChaim, Tzavaa MeChaim, Artzot HaChaim, Tzedakah LeChaim, and others).
The fire mentioned in this letter broke out some four years after the great fire of 1841. In a responsum by R. Chaim Palachi printed in Responsa Shema Avraham (by his son R. Avraham Palachi; no. 51), he writes: "In 1841 and 1845 there were large fires in our city of Izmir, may trouble not occur again, and charity monies were sent from all over for the needy whose homes were burned in the fire…". There he adds that in the fire of 1845, the non-Jews were affected more than the Jews, whereas in the fire of 1841, the Jews suffered more than the non-Jews.
[1] double leaf (folded and sent by post). 20 cm. Bluish paper. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks. Tear (from opening the letter), not affecting text.
Appeal letter sent by R. Chaim Palachi following the fire which broke out in Izmir in 1845. R. Chaim describes the destruction caused by the fire and his distress, particularly from the loss of his books: "The fire has left us destitute… especially the lack of books which are our very life and without which we are deemed dead… not to mention the absence of many material necessities, the lack of sustenance and adequate clothing. Especially since we have two adult girls, my daughter and the daughter of my eldest son R. Avraham… Woe to us that this has happened in our times…".
R. Chaim Palachi relates that he sent appeal letters to others, including Baron Rothschild of Frankfurt am Main and R. Aharon Fuld (a rabbi in Frankfurt), and complains that he didn't receive a response. He concludes with blessings: "Until old age, with much wealth, honor, strength and peace, Chaim Palachi".
Izmir was struck by large fires every few years. In his books, R. Chaim Palachi mentions the fires of 1772, 1811, 1837, 1841 and 1845. These fires destroyed houses with all their contents, and many were left without a roof over their head, with no food or clothing. These fires also caused a lost for posterity, with the destruction of thousands of precious manuscripts and books. R. Chaim himself lost over fifty manuscript compositions to the fire of 1841 (regarding the loss of books in fires in Izmir, see: Yaari, HaDfus HaIvri BeIzmir, Areshet I, 1959, pp. 115-116; see also: Meir Benayahu, The Great Fires in Izmir and Adrianopolis, Reshumot II, 1946, pp. 144-155).
R. Chaim Palachi – HaChabif (1787-1868), an outstanding Torah scholar well versed in hidden and revealed realms of the Torah. He served as rabbi of Izmir and was a leading Torah scholar of his generation. He composed seventy-two books (corresponding with the numerical value of his name Chaim, adding the number of letters), on Halachah, Aggadah and ethics. He was the close disciple of his mother's father, the renowned Torah scholar R. Refael Yosef Hazan, author of Chikrei Lev. In his books, R. Chaim extensively quotes his grandfather, as well as his father R. Yaakov Palachi. At the age of 25, in a ceremony attended by the entire community, R. Chaim was accorded rabbinical ordination by his grandfather, who bedecked him with a special rabbinic robe he personally purchased, in honor of his earning the title of "HaChacham HaShalem".
Over the years, he rose in the ranks of rabbinic hierarchy, reaching the position of "HaRav HaKollel", head of the Izmir Beit Din, and was recognized by the Turkish government as Chacham Bashi. His exceptional wisdom and eminence in Torah earned him the status of rabbi of the city. The Jewish community in Izmir was comprised in those days of various congregations, each with different customs and their own rabbi, and only R. Chaim bore absolute authority, his rulings and opinions being accepted by all the congregations in the city. His halachic authority exceeded the boundaries of the city, and he earned worldwide recognition as a posek, responding to thousands of queries addressed to him from all over the world, even beyond the Ottoman Empire, such as Poland, Germany and North Africa.
R. Chaim was a most prolific author, covering all subjects of the Torah. He composed many works, of Talmudic commentary, halachic rulings, homiletics and Aggadah. When the fire broke out in 1841, he had already produced dozens of manuscript compositions, which he toiled on from a young age. The fire consumed 54 of his compositions (see in more detail in Kedem Auction 63, item 66). Despite the great tragedy of the loss of most of his writings, he gathered strength and went ahead composing new works. In the books he printed after the fire, he would add at the foot of the title page the serial number of the composition. The names of his books usually allude to his name Chaim in various ways (Nefesh Chaim, Chaim Techila, Torah VeChaim, Chaim LeRosh, Chaim VeShalom, Kaf HaChaim, Re'eh Chaim, HaKatuv LaChaim, Yimtza Chaim, Birkat Moadecha LeChaim, Tzavaa MeChaim, Artzot HaChaim, Tzedakah LeChaim, and others).
The fire mentioned in this letter broke out some four years after the great fire of 1841. In a responsum by R. Chaim Palachi printed in Responsa Shema Avraham (by his son R. Avraham Palachi; no. 51), he writes: "In 1841 and 1845 there were large fires in our city of Izmir, may trouble not occur again, and charity monies were sent from all over for the needy whose homes were burned in the fire…". There he adds that in the fire of 1845, the non-Jews were affected more than the Jews, whereas in the fire of 1841, the Jews suffered more than the non-Jews.
[1] double leaf (folded and sent by post). 20 cm. Bluish paper. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks. Tear (from opening the letter), not affecting text.
Category
Eretz Israeli, Oriental and Maghrebi Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $1,250
Including buyer's premium
Leaf (2 pages) handwritten by R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, the Ben Ish Chai.
On the first page, the Ben Ish Chai wrote two paragraphs containing allusions to the name of Eliyahu HaNavi.
The second page contains a special prayer which he composed, beseeching G-d to end our suffering and bring the Redemption.
R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad (1833-1909), author of Ben Ish Chai and dozens of other important books. He was the son of R. Eliyahu Chaim son of R. Moshe Chaim Rabbi of Baghdad, and the disciple of R. Abdallah Somekh. He was renowned from a young age for his brilliance and righteousness. After the passing of his father in 1859, at the age of 26, he succeeded him as preacher in the Great Synagogue of Baghdad, upholding this practice every Shabbat for the next fifty years. His sermons on special occasions such as Shabbat Shuva and Shabbat Hagadol drew crowds of over four thousand people, who sat enthralled throughout the sermon, which often lasted for four to five hours. His sermons incorporated Halachah, commentaries of verses and Aggadot, using the various approaches of exegesis.
The Ben Ish Chai was recognized as the de facto leader of Baghdad and the entire Iraq, and all the local rabbis and judges deferred to him. His complete mastery of Torah and Kabbalah, as well as his great piety and holiness, gained him renown throughout the world. In 1869 he travelled to Eretz Israel in order to pray at the graves of tzaddikim. While praying, he received a heavenly message that the source of his soul was that of Benayahu ben Yehoyada. He therefore titled many of his works after the descriptives of Benayahu: Ben Ish Chai, Ben Ish Chayil, Ben Yehoyada, Rav Pe'alim, Od Yosef Chai and others. Some of his other works: Leshon Chachamim, Aderet Eliyahu, Responsa Torah Lishma (published anonymously), Chasdei Avot, Birkat Avot and others.
[1] leaf (two pages in the handwriting of the Ben Ish Chai). 11.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Ink faded in several words. In fine leather binding.
On the first page, the Ben Ish Chai wrote two paragraphs containing allusions to the name of Eliyahu HaNavi.
The second page contains a special prayer which he composed, beseeching G-d to end our suffering and bring the Redemption.
R. Yosef Chaim of Baghdad (1833-1909), author of Ben Ish Chai and dozens of other important books. He was the son of R. Eliyahu Chaim son of R. Moshe Chaim Rabbi of Baghdad, and the disciple of R. Abdallah Somekh. He was renowned from a young age for his brilliance and righteousness. After the passing of his father in 1859, at the age of 26, he succeeded him as preacher in the Great Synagogue of Baghdad, upholding this practice every Shabbat for the next fifty years. His sermons on special occasions such as Shabbat Shuva and Shabbat Hagadol drew crowds of over four thousand people, who sat enthralled throughout the sermon, which often lasted for four to five hours. His sermons incorporated Halachah, commentaries of verses and Aggadot, using the various approaches of exegesis.
The Ben Ish Chai was recognized as the de facto leader of Baghdad and the entire Iraq, and all the local rabbis and judges deferred to him. His complete mastery of Torah and Kabbalah, as well as his great piety and holiness, gained him renown throughout the world. In 1869 he travelled to Eretz Israel in order to pray at the graves of tzaddikim. While praying, he received a heavenly message that the source of his soul was that of Benayahu ben Yehoyada. He therefore titled many of his works after the descriptives of Benayahu: Ben Ish Chai, Ben Ish Chayil, Ben Yehoyada, Rav Pe'alim, Od Yosef Chai and others. Some of his other works: Leshon Chachamim, Aderet Eliyahu, Responsa Torah Lishma (published anonymously), Chasdei Avot, Birkat Avot and others.
[1] leaf (two pages in the handwriting of the Ben Ish Chai). 11.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Ink faded in several words. In fine leather binding.
Category
Eretz Israeli, Oriental and Maghrebi Rabbis
Catalogue
Lot 86 Manuscript, Lengthy Halachic Responsum, Signed by Rabbi Yitzchak Ben Walid and Tétouan Rabbis
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Unsold
Manuscript, halachic ruling issued in response to a request by "the community leaders of Gibraltar", regarding the marriage of a convert, signed by the rabbi of Tétouan – R. Yitzchak ben Walid, and the dayanim of his Beit Din: R. Yom Tov HaLevy and R. Yitzchak Nahon. Tétouan, [1846].
Lengthy responsum (6 pages), signed at the end by: R. "Yitzchak ben Walid", R. "Yom Tov HaLevy", R. "Yitzchak Nahon".
The responsum was published in Responsa VaYomer Yitzchak (Even HaEzer, section 155) by R. Yitzchak Ben Walid, without the names of the signatories.
R. Yitzchak Ben Walid (1777-1870), chief rabbi of Tétouan and leading kabbalist in Morocco. Already in his youth, he stood out for his purity, holiness and asceticism. He was the disciple of two Moroccan Torah leaders, R. Menachem Nahon and R. Moshe HaLevy. After the passing of R. Moshe HaLevy, he was asked by the Tétouan community to succeed him as rabbi of the city. In his humility, he accepted the appointment only on condition he wouldn't judge alone, but would be aided by R. Yom Tov HaLevy (son of R. Moshe HaLevy; signatory of this ruling). Later, R. Yitzchak Nahon was appointed as third dayan (his signature also appears on the present responsum), and they worked together as a Beit Din of three. R. Yitzchak Ben Walid was known as a leading halachic authority, and many halachic questions were sent to him from throughout Morocco and even other countries. His responsa were published in the two volumes of his book Responsa VaYomer Yitzchak (Livorno, 1876). He passed away at the age of 93 as Shabbat was entering, while reciting Mizmor Shir LeYom HaShabbat.
R. Yitzchak Ben Walid was renowned amongst Moroccan Jews as a holy man and wonder-worker, and even after his passing, he was famous for the great salvations which occurred in his merit. His holy staff helped barren women conceive and healed the sick. There is a longstanding tradition of visiting his gravesite on the anniversary of his passing, and this day is commemorated throughout the world.
[4] leaves (6 written pages). 35 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains, dark dampstains. Tears, damage and worming, affecting text. Some text erased as a result of dampness.
Lengthy responsum (6 pages), signed at the end by: R. "Yitzchak ben Walid", R. "Yom Tov HaLevy", R. "Yitzchak Nahon".
The responsum was published in Responsa VaYomer Yitzchak (Even HaEzer, section 155) by R. Yitzchak Ben Walid, without the names of the signatories.
R. Yitzchak Ben Walid (1777-1870), chief rabbi of Tétouan and leading kabbalist in Morocco. Already in his youth, he stood out for his purity, holiness and asceticism. He was the disciple of two Moroccan Torah leaders, R. Menachem Nahon and R. Moshe HaLevy. After the passing of R. Moshe HaLevy, he was asked by the Tétouan community to succeed him as rabbi of the city. In his humility, he accepted the appointment only on condition he wouldn't judge alone, but would be aided by R. Yom Tov HaLevy (son of R. Moshe HaLevy; signatory of this ruling). Later, R. Yitzchak Nahon was appointed as third dayan (his signature also appears on the present responsum), and they worked together as a Beit Din of three. R. Yitzchak Ben Walid was known as a leading halachic authority, and many halachic questions were sent to him from throughout Morocco and even other countries. His responsa were published in the two volumes of his book Responsa VaYomer Yitzchak (Livorno, 1876). He passed away at the age of 93 as Shabbat was entering, while reciting Mizmor Shir LeYom HaShabbat.
R. Yitzchak Ben Walid was renowned amongst Moroccan Jews as a holy man and wonder-worker, and even after his passing, he was famous for the great salvations which occurred in his merit. His holy staff helped barren women conceive and healed the sick. There is a longstanding tradition of visiting his gravesite on the anniversary of his passing, and this day is commemorated throughout the world.
[4] leaves (6 written pages). 35 cm. Fair-poor condition. Stains, dark dampstains. Tears, damage and worming, affecting text. Some text erased as a result of dampness.
Category
Eretz Israeli, Oriental and Maghrebi Rabbis
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Unsold
Large manuscript certificate on parchment, emissary letter for R. Eliyahu Adahan, who was sent by Kollelot Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess to the Maghreb (Morocco and Algeria): Fez, Sefrou, Meknes, Debdou, Rabat, Salé and other cities. With the signatures of many Tiberias rabbis. Tiberias, [1907].
Large parchment sheet with a rounded top. Square and semi-cursive (Rashi) script. Decorated with verses at the top. Some letters are enlarged for emphasis and ornamentation.
In this emissary letter, the rabbis of Tiberias describe the holy yeshiva which operates in the courtyard of the gravesite of Rabbi Meir Baal Haness, and the many students studying there. They portray the financial difficulties of the yeshiva, and the "army tax" imposed on the students. They further depict the salvations and miracles which all those who donate in the name of R. Meir Baal HaNess benefit from, such as women who promise during labor to donate money to the yeshiva of R. Meir Baal HaNess, and are thus saved, the salvations it brings to people who donated during a drought or famine. Thus, in the merit of R. Meir Baal HaNess, people have been blessed with "offspring, life and sustenance".
At the foot of the certificate there are dozens of calligraphic signatures of rabbis of Tiberias. The signatories include: R. Eliyahu Illouz, R. Elazar Bahloul, R. Eliyahu Benkiki, R. Betzalel Chai Assabag, R. David Reina, R. Chaim HaLevi Bensoussan, R. Yehuda Toledano, R. Yosef Chaim Illouz, R. Yaakov Bukai, R. Yaakov Vaknin, R. Yaakov Chai Zrihen, R. Yaakov Moshe Toledano, R. Yaakov Tzuri, R. Yitzchak Meir HaLevi Bensoussan, R. Machlouf Shetrit, R. Moshe Avraham Hamaoui, R. Moshe Meir Chai Elyakim, R. Nissim Eliyahu Maman, R. Azariah Chaim HaLevi, R. Akiva Chiya Bahloul, R. Shalom Arouah, R. Shlomo Bensamon, R. Shimon Vaknin, and others. Heading the list of signatories is a calligraphic signature-stamp of the rabbi of the city, R. Aharon Alhadef.
The emissary, R. Eliyahu Adahan (1852-1925) was a rabbi in Tiberias. He served for a while as shochet and bodek in Shechem. He travelled as emissary on behalf of the Sephardi Kollelot to the Bukhara, Morocco and Algeria.
Large parchment sheet. 69 cm. Good condition. Stains, folding marks and creases. Some signatures faded.
Large parchment sheet with a rounded top. Square and semi-cursive (Rashi) script. Decorated with verses at the top. Some letters are enlarged for emphasis and ornamentation.
In this emissary letter, the rabbis of Tiberias describe the holy yeshiva which operates in the courtyard of the gravesite of Rabbi Meir Baal Haness, and the many students studying there. They portray the financial difficulties of the yeshiva, and the "army tax" imposed on the students. They further depict the salvations and miracles which all those who donate in the name of R. Meir Baal HaNess benefit from, such as women who promise during labor to donate money to the yeshiva of R. Meir Baal HaNess, and are thus saved, the salvations it brings to people who donated during a drought or famine. Thus, in the merit of R. Meir Baal HaNess, people have been blessed with "offspring, life and sustenance".
At the foot of the certificate there are dozens of calligraphic signatures of rabbis of Tiberias. The signatories include: R. Eliyahu Illouz, R. Elazar Bahloul, R. Eliyahu Benkiki, R. Betzalel Chai Assabag, R. David Reina, R. Chaim HaLevi Bensoussan, R. Yehuda Toledano, R. Yosef Chaim Illouz, R. Yaakov Bukai, R. Yaakov Vaknin, R. Yaakov Chai Zrihen, R. Yaakov Moshe Toledano, R. Yaakov Tzuri, R. Yitzchak Meir HaLevi Bensoussan, R. Machlouf Shetrit, R. Moshe Avraham Hamaoui, R. Moshe Meir Chai Elyakim, R. Nissim Eliyahu Maman, R. Azariah Chaim HaLevi, R. Akiva Chiya Bahloul, R. Shalom Arouah, R. Shlomo Bensamon, R. Shimon Vaknin, and others. Heading the list of signatories is a calligraphic signature-stamp of the rabbi of the city, R. Aharon Alhadef.
The emissary, R. Eliyahu Adahan (1852-1925) was a rabbi in Tiberias. He served for a while as shochet and bodek in Shechem. He travelled as emissary on behalf of the Sephardi Kollelot to the Bukhara, Morocco and Algeria.
Large parchment sheet. 69 cm. Good condition. Stains, folding marks and creases. Some signatures faded.
Category
Eretz Israeli, Oriental and Maghrebi Rabbis
Catalogue
![Sir David Wilkie's Sketches in Turkey, Syria & Egypt, 1840 & 1841. [London]: Messrs Graves and Warmsley, 1843. Englis](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/139_1.jpg "Sir David Wilkie’s Sketches in Turkey, Syria & Egypt – Volume of Litho")
![Sir David Wilkie's Sketches in Turkey, Syria & Egypt, 1840 & 1841. [London]: Messrs Graves and Warmsley, 1843. Englis](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/139_2.jpg "Sir David Wilkie’s Sketches in Turkey, Syria & Egypt – Volume of Litho")
![Sir David Wilkie's Sketches in Turkey, Syria & Egypt, 1840 & 1841. [London]: Messrs Graves and Warmsley, 1843. Englis](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/139_3.jpg "Sir David Wilkie’s Sketches in Turkey, Syria & Egypt – Volume of Litho")
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
Unsold
Sir David Wilkie's Sketches in Turkey, Syria & Egypt, 1840 & 1841. [London]: Messrs Graves and Warmsley, 1843. English.
A folio volume, with 25 lithographs by Joseph Nash after sketches by David Wilkie. The lithographs depict figures whom Wilkie met during his visit to the Middle East in the years 1840-1841. Among them – the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Abdülmecid I; Persian Prince Halakoo Mirza; inhabitants of various towns in the Ottoman Empire, including Jews in Jerusalem (woman with a child, group of women reading the scriptures); figures near the Ecce Homo arch; A Turkish courier announcing the occupation of Acre; and more.
The lithographs are titled and signed in the plate; some are dated. Lithographic title page followed by a leaf with the publishers' dedication on one side and a list of plates on the other.
The painter David Wilkie (1785-1841) was born in Scotland and studied art in London where, starting in 1806, he exhibited his works. In 1811 Wilkie was elected an associate of the Royal Academy of Art, and in 1830 was appointed Principal Painter in Ordinary to the King. Wilkie went on a journey to the Middle East in 1840, to make the acquaintance of the Holy Land and gather materials for Biblical-themed works. During his journey Wilkie painted the portrait of the Ottoman Sultan and other portraits. In 1841, while on his way back to London, he fell sick and died on board of a ship near the shores of Gibraltar.
[27] leaves (with protective paper guards between the plates), 53 cm. Half-leather, gilt embossed binding (cover title reads "Sir David Wilkie's Oriental Sketches"). Good-fair condition. Numerous stains. Several browned leaves. Creases. Tears to margins of some leaves. Tears and wear to binding (mainly to corners and spine).
A folio volume, with 25 lithographs by Joseph Nash after sketches by David Wilkie. The lithographs depict figures whom Wilkie met during his visit to the Middle East in the years 1840-1841. Among them – the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Abdülmecid I; Persian Prince Halakoo Mirza; inhabitants of various towns in the Ottoman Empire, including Jews in Jerusalem (woman with a child, group of women reading the scriptures); figures near the Ecce Homo arch; A Turkish courier announcing the occupation of Acre; and more.
The lithographs are titled and signed in the plate; some are dated. Lithographic title page followed by a leaf with the publishers' dedication on one side and a list of plates on the other.
The painter David Wilkie (1785-1841) was born in Scotland and studied art in London where, starting in 1806, he exhibited his works. In 1811 Wilkie was elected an associate of the Royal Academy of Art, and in 1830 was appointed Principal Painter in Ordinary to the King. Wilkie went on a journey to the Middle East in 1840, to make the acquaintance of the Holy Land and gather materials for Biblical-themed works. During his journey Wilkie painted the portrait of the Ottoman Sultan and other portraits. In 1841, while on his way back to London, he fell sick and died on board of a ship near the shores of Gibraltar.
[27] leaves (with protective paper guards between the plates), 53 cm. Half-leather, gilt embossed binding (cover title reads "Sir David Wilkie's Oriental Sketches"). Good-fair condition. Numerous stains. Several browned leaves. Creases. Tears to margins of some leaves. Tears and wear to binding (mainly to corners and spine).
Category
Travelogues and Photographs – Eretz Israel in the 19th Century and Early 20th Century
Catalogue
![Voyage dans le Levant, by M. Le C.te [Louis Nicolas Philippe Auguste] Forbin. Paris: L'imprimerie Royale, 1819. French. First](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/140_1.jpg "\"Voyage in the Levant\" – Baron de Forbin – Eighty Lithographs and Engr")
![Voyage dans le Levant, by M. Le C.te [Louis Nicolas Philippe Auguste] Forbin. Paris: L'imprimerie Royale, 1819. French. First](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/140_2.jpg "\"Voyage in the Levant\" – Baron de Forbin – Eighty Lithographs and Engr")
![Voyage dans le Levant, by M. Le C.te [Louis Nicolas Philippe Auguste] Forbin. Paris: L'imprimerie Royale, 1819. French. First](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale75-public/140_3.jpg "\"Voyage in the Levant\" – Baron de Forbin – Eighty Lithographs and Engr")
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,200
Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000
Sold for: $1,500
Including buyer's premium
Voyage dans le Levant, by M. Le C.te [Louis Nicolas Philippe Auguste] Forbin. Paris: L'imprimerie Royale, 1819. French. First edition printed in 325 copies only. Two parts in one volume.
An atlas-folio travelogue documenting the journey of Baron Louis Nicolas Philippe Auguste de Forbin to the Near East – from Greece, along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, throughout Palestine, and finally to Egypt. The first part of the book describes de Forbin’s journey, and the second contains 70 lithographs after paintings by many artists, eight aquatints after watercolor drawings by de Forbin, and two engravings depicting the architectural plan of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Great Pyramid in Giza, archaeological artifacts, and the Catacombs of Milos.
According to Jacques Charles Brunet, the book was printed in 325 copies.
The aquatints and lithographs depict antiquities, landscapes and scenes from everyday life in cities and various sites throughout the East: the holy sites and inhabitants of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Acre, Jaffa, Ashkelon and Gaza; the pyramids and other antiquities in Egypt; sights in Athens, Constantinople, Alexandria and Cairo; and more. The lithographs, by Godfroy Engelmann, were made after paintings by Carle Vernet, Émile Jean-Horace Vernet, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Claude Thiénon, Jean-Pierre Granger, and others. The aquatints were made by Philibert-Louis Debucourt.
Baron Louis Nicolas Philippe Auguste de Forbin (1779-1841), a neo-Classical painter by training, was appointed Director-General of the Louvre Museum in 1816. Soon afterward, in 1817, de Forbin set out at the head of a delegation to the East in order to purchase antiquities for the museum (including a statue of the goddess Sekhmet that is on exhibit at the Louvre). The delegation included, among others, an engineer, a cartographer, and painters.
[4] leaves, 132 pp; 78, [2] plates, 72 cm. Good-fair condition. Many stains, including foxing and dampstains. Some closed tears and small open tears to margins, some medium tears at margins of plates. Long tear to plate no. 10, restored. A widthwise tear to plate no. 18, mended with tape. Some worming to margins of leaves. Creases. New leather binding.
An atlas-folio travelogue documenting the journey of Baron Louis Nicolas Philippe Auguste de Forbin to the Near East – from Greece, along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, throughout Palestine, and finally to Egypt. The first part of the book describes de Forbin’s journey, and the second contains 70 lithographs after paintings by many artists, eight aquatints after watercolor drawings by de Forbin, and two engravings depicting the architectural plan of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Great Pyramid in Giza, archaeological artifacts, and the Catacombs of Milos.
According to Jacques Charles Brunet, the book was printed in 325 copies.
The aquatints and lithographs depict antiquities, landscapes and scenes from everyday life in cities and various sites throughout the East: the holy sites and inhabitants of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Acre, Jaffa, Ashkelon and Gaza; the pyramids and other antiquities in Egypt; sights in Athens, Constantinople, Alexandria and Cairo; and more. The lithographs, by Godfroy Engelmann, were made after paintings by Carle Vernet, Émile Jean-Horace Vernet, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Claude Thiénon, Jean-Pierre Granger, and others. The aquatints were made by Philibert-Louis Debucourt.
Baron Louis Nicolas Philippe Auguste de Forbin (1779-1841), a neo-Classical painter by training, was appointed Director-General of the Louvre Museum in 1816. Soon afterward, in 1817, de Forbin set out at the head of a delegation to the East in order to purchase antiquities for the museum (including a statue of the goddess Sekhmet that is on exhibit at the Louvre). The delegation included, among others, an engineer, a cartographer, and painters.
[4] leaves, 132 pp; 78, [2] plates, 72 cm. Good-fair condition. Many stains, including foxing and dampstains. Some closed tears and small open tears to margins, some medium tears at margins of plates. Long tear to plate no. 10, restored. A widthwise tear to plate no. 18, mended with tape. Some worming to margins of leaves. Creases. New leather binding.
Category
Travelogues and Photographs – Eretz Israel in the 19th Century and Early 20th Century
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $7,000
Sold for: $3,750
Including buyer's premium
Voyage d'exploration à la Mer Morte, à Petra, et sur la rive du Jourdain by Honoré d'Albert Luynes. Paris: Arthus Bertrand, [ca. 1874]. Four parts in three volumes (two volumes of text, one volume of plates). French and some Arabic. First edition.
In 1864, the Duke de Luynes (Honoré Théodore Paul Joseph d'Albert, duc de Luynes, 1802-1867) – a French humanist and collector, and patron of art and photography – led a research expedition to Palestine and its surrounding region. The expedition staff included the geologist Louis Lardet, the physician and naturalist Gustave Combe, and the naval lieutenant and amateur photographer Louis Vignes, who served as the expedition photographer. The expedition conducted measurements and surveys in the Dead Sea region and examined biblical sites. In the course of the study, Vignes used his camera to document the various places. In some cases, these were sites that had never been photographed before.
The sizable amounts of documentation collected by the expedition – one of the most comprehensive of its kind to be conducted in the Dead Sea region in the 19th century – was only published roughly ten years after the mission's return to France. Alongside the three volumes summarizing the expedition's work and its findings, there is an additional volume consisting of high-quality photogravure plates reproducing Vignes's original photographs. These reproductions were created by the French photographer Charles Nègre, a pioneering photogravure artist whose works were distinguished by their quality and precision. Nègre was chosen for this task following a photography competition, initiated by the Duke de Luynes, in which new photo-mechanical techniques for the mass production of photographs intended for publication were presented. Nègre did not win the competition, but the Duke nevertheless preferred his photogravures to the winner's photolithographs. Apart from the historical importance of this volume in the annals of Middle Eastern studies, it is regarded as a milestone in the development of photography and photobooks.
This is the first edition of the book documenting the research expedition of the Duke de Luynes – two volumes of text (comprising three parts) and a volume of plates. Includes 102 plates: 64 photogravure plates, plus maps and lithographs.
The first part of the book gives the Duke's own overview of the findings of his expedition. The second part contains a summary by Louis Vignes, in addition to an account of a separate research expedition funded by the Duke de Luynes and conducted by the architect Christophe-Edouard Mauss and the photographer Henri Sauvaire, from Kerak (Al-Karak) to Shoubak in the present-day Kingdom of Jordan. These parts include three plates: a view of the fortified Crusader castle of Kerak (lithograph after a photograph by Sauvaire), a map of Shoubak, and a (folded) map of the expedition route from Kerak to Shoubak.
The third part is mostly dedicated to the geology and paleontology of the region, and includes 14 lithographic plates: a geological map of the Dead Sea region (double-spread plate, in color), and plates featuring geological cross-sections, fossils, seashells, and more.
The volume of plates includes three unnumbered plates, including a (folded) map of the Dead Sea region; 18 numbered plates – four maps and fourteen lithographs after photographs by Louis Vignes and Henri Sauvaire; and 64 numbered plates – photogravures by Charles Nègre after photographs by Louis Vignes, documenting sites in Sidon, Tyre, Jenin, Nablus, Beth El, Jerusalem, Jericho (double-spread plate, with a view of Mar Saba monastery), the Dead Sea, Iraq Al-Amir, Oyun Musa, Petra, and more.
Three volumes. Vol. I (Parts 1-2): [4] ff., 388 pp; [3] ff., 182 pp., [1] f., 183-222 pp., [3] ff. + [3] plates. Vol. II (Part 3): [2] ff., VI, 326 pp. +14 plates. Vol. III: [3], 18, 64 plates. 36 cm. Overall good condition. Stains (to leaves of text and plates). Dark stains to some leaves and plates. Few tears. Minor blemishes to some plates. One plate (in Vol. III) detached. Minor worming to gutters of some plates (in Vol. III, not affecting prints). Different bindings, with stains and blemishes. Vol. I with quarter-leather red cloth binding (book title stamped in gold on binding); Vol. II with quarter-leather, paper sides binding (spine torn with upper portion detached; back board detached). Vol. III binding entirely restored with leather-like covering.
Literature: Poggi, Isotta. "History Turns Space into Place: A French Voyage to the Dead Sea Basin in 1864". Jerusalem Quarterly, No. 82 (Jerusalem: Institute for Palestine Studies, 2020): 23-37.
In 1864, the Duke de Luynes (Honoré Théodore Paul Joseph d'Albert, duc de Luynes, 1802-1867) – a French humanist and collector, and patron of art and photography – led a research expedition to Palestine and its surrounding region. The expedition staff included the geologist Louis Lardet, the physician and naturalist Gustave Combe, and the naval lieutenant and amateur photographer Louis Vignes, who served as the expedition photographer. The expedition conducted measurements and surveys in the Dead Sea region and examined biblical sites. In the course of the study, Vignes used his camera to document the various places. In some cases, these were sites that had never been photographed before.
The sizable amounts of documentation collected by the expedition – one of the most comprehensive of its kind to be conducted in the Dead Sea region in the 19th century – was only published roughly ten years after the mission's return to France. Alongside the three volumes summarizing the expedition's work and its findings, there is an additional volume consisting of high-quality photogravure plates reproducing Vignes's original photographs. These reproductions were created by the French photographer Charles Nègre, a pioneering photogravure artist whose works were distinguished by their quality and precision. Nègre was chosen for this task following a photography competition, initiated by the Duke de Luynes, in which new photo-mechanical techniques for the mass production of photographs intended for publication were presented. Nègre did not win the competition, but the Duke nevertheless preferred his photogravures to the winner's photolithographs. Apart from the historical importance of this volume in the annals of Middle Eastern studies, it is regarded as a milestone in the development of photography and photobooks.
This is the first edition of the book documenting the research expedition of the Duke de Luynes – two volumes of text (comprising three parts) and a volume of plates. Includes 102 plates: 64 photogravure plates, plus maps and lithographs.
The first part of the book gives the Duke's own overview of the findings of his expedition. The second part contains a summary by Louis Vignes, in addition to an account of a separate research expedition funded by the Duke de Luynes and conducted by the architect Christophe-Edouard Mauss and the photographer Henri Sauvaire, from Kerak (Al-Karak) to Shoubak in the present-day Kingdom of Jordan. These parts include three plates: a view of the fortified Crusader castle of Kerak (lithograph after a photograph by Sauvaire), a map of Shoubak, and a (folded) map of the expedition route from Kerak to Shoubak.
The third part is mostly dedicated to the geology and paleontology of the region, and includes 14 lithographic plates: a geological map of the Dead Sea region (double-spread plate, in color), and plates featuring geological cross-sections, fossils, seashells, and more.
The volume of plates includes three unnumbered plates, including a (folded) map of the Dead Sea region; 18 numbered plates – four maps and fourteen lithographs after photographs by Louis Vignes and Henri Sauvaire; and 64 numbered plates – photogravures by Charles Nègre after photographs by Louis Vignes, documenting sites in Sidon, Tyre, Jenin, Nablus, Beth El, Jerusalem, Jericho (double-spread plate, with a view of Mar Saba monastery), the Dead Sea, Iraq Al-Amir, Oyun Musa, Petra, and more.
Three volumes. Vol. I (Parts 1-2): [4] ff., 388 pp; [3] ff., 182 pp., [1] f., 183-222 pp., [3] ff. + [3] plates. Vol. II (Part 3): [2] ff., VI, 326 pp. +14 plates. Vol. III: [3], 18, 64 plates. 36 cm. Overall good condition. Stains (to leaves of text and plates). Dark stains to some leaves and plates. Few tears. Minor blemishes to some plates. One plate (in Vol. III) detached. Minor worming to gutters of some plates (in Vol. III, not affecting prints). Different bindings, with stains and blemishes. Vol. I with quarter-leather red cloth binding (book title stamped in gold on binding); Vol. II with quarter-leather, paper sides binding (spine torn with upper portion detached; back board detached). Vol. III binding entirely restored with leather-like covering.
Literature: Poggi, Isotta. "History Turns Space into Place: A French Voyage to the Dead Sea Basin in 1864". Jerusalem Quarterly, No. 82 (Jerusalem: Institute for Palestine Studies, 2020): 23-37.
Category
Travelogues and Photographs – Eretz Israel in the 19th Century and Early 20th Century
Catalogue