Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 15
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $45,000
Estimate: $60,000 - $100,000
Unsold
Mishnah with commentary by R. Moshe son of Maimon – the Rambam, Orders Kodashim and Taharot. [Naples: Joshua Solomon Soncino, 1492]. First edition of the Rambam's commentary to Mishnayot.
This copy belonged to R. Avraham HaLevy Bacrat, a Spanish exile, author of Sefer HaZikaron – supercommentary to the Rashi commentary on the Torah. Tractates Kelim and Ohalot of Order Taharot are annotated with thousands of his handwritten glosses. At the end of Order Kodashim, there is a lengthy introduction in his handwriting, in which he sharply criticizes the errors found in the translation of Rambam's commentary (from Judeo-Arabic) and in the printed edition of this work, and explains that he therefore chose to correct this book to the best of his ability.
Volume from the Naples edition, containing the first printed edition of the Rambam's commentary to Mishnayot, written originally in Judeo-Arabic, and translated by several translators during various periods. Order Kodashim (present in this volume) was translated by R. Netanel son of R. Yossi ibn Almoli. The name of the translator of Order Taharot (present in this volume) is not mentioned. Some say that it was also translated by R. Netanel, translator of Order Kodashim.
Includes the text of the Mishnayot. Two columns per page. Each Mishnah (in square typeface) is followed by the commentary (in semi-cursive Rashi typeface). Woodcut initial word at the beginning of Order Taharot.
At the end of Order Kodashim, which was printed last, there is a summary of the number of chapters in each tractate of the six orders of Mishnah, followed by several colophons by the printer. The first colophon, in rhyme, mentions Naples as the town of printing, the printer Joshua of Soncino, and the completion of the printing in Iyar 1492. This poem is followed by a long passage of praise and acknowledgments upon the completion of the printing, giving credit to "R. Avraham Talmid Sephardi" for his assistance in the printing, and to "R. Yosef ibn Piso Sephardi" for his financial backing; "and it was completed on Tuesday, 11th Iyar 1492, here in Naples, under His Majesty King Ferdinand…".
The printer then apologizes for printing the colophon at the end of Order Kodashim and not Taharot, and explains that since the manuscripts of Kodashim were not available, they first printed Order Taharot and only later went back to print Order Kodashim, concluding the printing of this edition therewith.
At the bottom of this page, there is a lengthy inscription by R. Avraham Bacrat – an introduction to his many glosses which follow in Order Taharot, sharply criticizing the quality of the translation, the transcription and the printed edition.
R. Avraham writes that the printed text is error-ridden, due both to printing errors and to the inaccuracy of the original translation, and he therefore decided to endeavor to raise this composition from its lowly stature.
Further in his introduction, he describes his method in composing glosses, and his occasional reference to the original word in Arabic: "And I wrote in a few places 'A' [=Arabic] such and such, to indicate to those proficient in that language the source of the mistake, how the first translator mistook one word for another or one meaning for another, and that is the proof that he merely translated the words, without understanding the topic…".
He then praises his own work: "…and only someone who spends a day or two in fruitless attempts to understand the commentary, and then goes back to study this corrected text, will appreciate what I did and thank me for it".
This introduction is followed by the comprehensive work of R. Avraham HaLevi Bacrat, in the form of thousands of handwritten glosses, markings and deletions throughout the leaves of Tractates Kelim and Ohalot. The glosses consist of comments, explanations and many textual emendations (based on the Arabic source). In several places, R. Avraham translated entire paragraphs from the Arabic source, and in one place he added the commentary of an entire Mishnah, which had been omitted in this printed edition, in his own translation from the Arabic. In many places he copied the original Arabic word, marked with the letter A [=Arabic].
R. Avraham son of Shlomo HaLevy Bacrat, Torah scholar and poet, a Spanish exile. He was one of the first to compose a supercommentary to Rashi's commentary – Sefer HaZikaron. He lived in Malaga, Spain, and after the expulsion in 1492, made his way with many other exiles to Tlemcen, Algeria. In 1507 he moved to Tunis and there he composed his supercommentary to Rashi's commentary on the Torah. This work is known as Sefer HaZikaron, and it was completed in 1516 (the book was only printed in Livorno, 1845, after the manuscript wandered from Tunis to Italy). In his preface to this book, he writes that he is from "the exile that was exiled from Spain…" and at the end of his preface, he writes: "And this I began writing, while in exile, caught in the thicket of wandering, sojourning here like a guest in Tunis, 1507…". Sefer HaZikaron is a basic work pertaining to the Rashi commentary on the Torah. R. Avraham exhibits therein his proficiency in the Arabic language, explaining words "based on Arabic, which is derivative of the Holy Tongue". R. Avraham Bacrat was known in his times as a poet, and in a poem composed in his honor by his colleague (also a native of Malaga) R. Avraham Benzamero (quoted in Omer HaShikhecha by R. A. Gavison, also a Spanish exile who fled to North Africa; Livorno 1748, pp. 126b-127a), he is described as "Avraham, finest of poets". R. Avraham also composed a lamentation on the expulsion of Spanish Jewry (published by Chaim Hillel Sassoon in: Tarbiz, 31 [1], 1961, pp. 59-71). This lamentation is prefaced by his first-hand testimony describing the expulsion and the trials and tribulations endured by the exiles.
Volume lacking beginning and end. Begins at the end of Tractate Menachot, and ends with the first chapter of Tractate Mikvaot. [99] leaves. 8-leaf gatherings. Kodashim: gatherings 30 (lacking first two leaves), 31, 32, 33 (second leaf bound back to front), 34. Altogether [38] leaves (Order Kodashim originally: [56] leaves). Taharot: gatherings 35 (fourth leaf of this gathering erroneously bound after first leaf of gathering 38), 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 (lacking final two leaves of this gathering). Altogether [61] leaves (Order Taharot originally: [86] leaves).
32 cm. Condition varies (overall fair condition). Stains, including dampstains. Tears and wear. Open tears to a large number of leaves, affecting text. Large open tears to three leaves, significantly affecting text (leaf with chapters I and II of Tractate Arachin; leaf with chapters I, II and III of Tractate Keritot; and leaf with conclusion of Tractate Taharot and beginning of Tractate Mikvaot). All leaves were professionally restored with paper and rebound. Margins trimmed, affecting text on some leaves. Some glosses trimmed. New leather binding, with damage.
This copy belonged to R. Avraham HaLevy Bacrat, a Spanish exile, author of Sefer HaZikaron – supercommentary to the Rashi commentary on the Torah. Tractates Kelim and Ohalot of Order Taharot are annotated with thousands of his handwritten glosses. At the end of Order Kodashim, there is a lengthy introduction in his handwriting, in which he sharply criticizes the errors found in the translation of Rambam's commentary (from Judeo-Arabic) and in the printed edition of this work, and explains that he therefore chose to correct this book to the best of his ability.
Volume from the Naples edition, containing the first printed edition of the Rambam's commentary to Mishnayot, written originally in Judeo-Arabic, and translated by several translators during various periods. Order Kodashim (present in this volume) was translated by R. Netanel son of R. Yossi ibn Almoli. The name of the translator of Order Taharot (present in this volume) is not mentioned. Some say that it was also translated by R. Netanel, translator of Order Kodashim.
Includes the text of the Mishnayot. Two columns per page. Each Mishnah (in square typeface) is followed by the commentary (in semi-cursive Rashi typeface). Woodcut initial word at the beginning of Order Taharot.
At the end of Order Kodashim, which was printed last, there is a summary of the number of chapters in each tractate of the six orders of Mishnah, followed by several colophons by the printer. The first colophon, in rhyme, mentions Naples as the town of printing, the printer Joshua of Soncino, and the completion of the printing in Iyar 1492. This poem is followed by a long passage of praise and acknowledgments upon the completion of the printing, giving credit to "R. Avraham Talmid Sephardi" for his assistance in the printing, and to "R. Yosef ibn Piso Sephardi" for his financial backing; "and it was completed on Tuesday, 11th Iyar 1492, here in Naples, under His Majesty King Ferdinand…".
The printer then apologizes for printing the colophon at the end of Order Kodashim and not Taharot, and explains that since the manuscripts of Kodashim were not available, they first printed Order Taharot and only later went back to print Order Kodashim, concluding the printing of this edition therewith.
At the bottom of this page, there is a lengthy inscription by R. Avraham Bacrat – an introduction to his many glosses which follow in Order Taharot, sharply criticizing the quality of the translation, the transcription and the printed edition.
R. Avraham writes that the printed text is error-ridden, due both to printing errors and to the inaccuracy of the original translation, and he therefore decided to endeavor to raise this composition from its lowly stature.
Further in his introduction, he describes his method in composing glosses, and his occasional reference to the original word in Arabic: "And I wrote in a few places 'A' [=Arabic] such and such, to indicate to those proficient in that language the source of the mistake, how the first translator mistook one word for another or one meaning for another, and that is the proof that he merely translated the words, without understanding the topic…".
He then praises his own work: "…and only someone who spends a day or two in fruitless attempts to understand the commentary, and then goes back to study this corrected text, will appreciate what I did and thank me for it".
This introduction is followed by the comprehensive work of R. Avraham HaLevi Bacrat, in the form of thousands of handwritten glosses, markings and deletions throughout the leaves of Tractates Kelim and Ohalot. The glosses consist of comments, explanations and many textual emendations (based on the Arabic source). In several places, R. Avraham translated entire paragraphs from the Arabic source, and in one place he added the commentary of an entire Mishnah, which had been omitted in this printed edition, in his own translation from the Arabic. In many places he copied the original Arabic word, marked with the letter A [=Arabic].
R. Avraham son of Shlomo HaLevy Bacrat, Torah scholar and poet, a Spanish exile. He was one of the first to compose a supercommentary to Rashi's commentary – Sefer HaZikaron. He lived in Malaga, Spain, and after the expulsion in 1492, made his way with many other exiles to Tlemcen, Algeria. In 1507 he moved to Tunis and there he composed his supercommentary to Rashi's commentary on the Torah. This work is known as Sefer HaZikaron, and it was completed in 1516 (the book was only printed in Livorno, 1845, after the manuscript wandered from Tunis to Italy). In his preface to this book, he writes that he is from "the exile that was exiled from Spain…" and at the end of his preface, he writes: "And this I began writing, while in exile, caught in the thicket of wandering, sojourning here like a guest in Tunis, 1507…". Sefer HaZikaron is a basic work pertaining to the Rashi commentary on the Torah. R. Avraham exhibits therein his proficiency in the Arabic language, explaining words "based on Arabic, which is derivative of the Holy Tongue". R. Avraham Bacrat was known in his times as a poet, and in a poem composed in his honor by his colleague (also a native of Malaga) R. Avraham Benzamero (quoted in Omer HaShikhecha by R. A. Gavison, also a Spanish exile who fled to North Africa; Livorno 1748, pp. 126b-127a), he is described as "Avraham, finest of poets". R. Avraham also composed a lamentation on the expulsion of Spanish Jewry (published by Chaim Hillel Sassoon in: Tarbiz, 31 [1], 1961, pp. 59-71). This lamentation is prefaced by his first-hand testimony describing the expulsion and the trials and tribulations endured by the exiles.
Volume lacking beginning and end. Begins at the end of Tractate Menachot, and ends with the first chapter of Tractate Mikvaot. [99] leaves. 8-leaf gatherings. Kodashim: gatherings 30 (lacking first two leaves), 31, 32, 33 (second leaf bound back to front), 34. Altogether [38] leaves (Order Kodashim originally: [56] leaves). Taharot: gatherings 35 (fourth leaf of this gathering erroneously bound after first leaf of gathering 38), 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 (lacking final two leaves of this gathering). Altogether [61] leaves (Order Taharot originally: [86] leaves).
32 cm. Condition varies (overall fair condition). Stains, including dampstains. Tears and wear. Open tears to a large number of leaves, affecting text. Large open tears to three leaves, significantly affecting text (leaf with chapters I and II of Tractate Arachin; leaf with chapters I, II and III of Tractate Keritot; and leaf with conclusion of Tractate Taharot and beginning of Tractate Mikvaot). All leaves were professionally restored with paper and rebound. Margins trimmed, affecting text on some leaves. Some glosses trimmed. New leather binding, with damage.
Category
Incunabula and Early Printed Books
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000
Unsold
Even Bochan, ethics, by R. Kalonymus son of Kalonymus (Rabbenu Kalonymus HaZaken). [Naples: Joseph son of Jacob Ashkenazi, end of Elul 1489]. First edition. Incunabulum.
Incomplete copy.
The printer, Joseph son of Jacob Ashkenazi Gunzenhauser (from Gunzenhausen, Bavaria), was a pioneer in Hebrew printing, active in Italy in the early years of printing. Joseph Ashkenazi worked alongside the Soncino family, who set up presses in that time in various Italian cities. He established his printing press in Naples, ca. 1487, and passed away in 1490. That year, the printing press of the Soncino family began its operation in Naples (run by Yehoshua Shlomo Soncino). Joseph Ashkenazi's son, Azriel, continued operating the printing press for another two years, until 1492 (the year of the Spanish expulsion) – when both Ashkenazi's and Soncino's printing presses were closed. Joseph Ashkenazi's press produced all of 15 Hebrew titles. The editor and proofreader of this book was R. Yom Tov son of Peretz (Bonfoi) Zarfati.
There is a printing error in this edition – leaves [32-33] were printed in the wrong order (the correct order is 33b, 32b, 33a, 32a). This error was later rectified, and the remaining copies were printed in the correct order. The corrected leaves were printed in a different typography, several printing errors were emended, and stretched Heh and Resh letters were used (see: Shimon Iakerson, Catalogue of Hebrew Incunabula from the Collection of the Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, vol. I, New York-Jerusalem 2004, pp. 236-241). This copy contains the uncorrected leaves.
Incomplete copy: [21] leaves (originally: [50] leaves. Lacking 29 leaves). Leaves present: [15-19], [22-27], [29-36], [39], [42] (leaves 3-7 of gathering 3, leaves 2-7 of gathering 4, gathering 5 complete [8 leaves], leaves 3 and 6 of gathering 6). 18.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Most leaves complete. Marginal open tears to several leaves, not affecting text. Open tear to final leaf, affecting text. Several other tears. Most tears repaired with paper. New binding (with leather spine).
Incomplete copy.
The printer, Joseph son of Jacob Ashkenazi Gunzenhauser (from Gunzenhausen, Bavaria), was a pioneer in Hebrew printing, active in Italy in the early years of printing. Joseph Ashkenazi worked alongside the Soncino family, who set up presses in that time in various Italian cities. He established his printing press in Naples, ca. 1487, and passed away in 1490. That year, the printing press of the Soncino family began its operation in Naples (run by Yehoshua Shlomo Soncino). Joseph Ashkenazi's son, Azriel, continued operating the printing press for another two years, until 1492 (the year of the Spanish expulsion) – when both Ashkenazi's and Soncino's printing presses were closed. Joseph Ashkenazi's press produced all of 15 Hebrew titles. The editor and proofreader of this book was R. Yom Tov son of Peretz (Bonfoi) Zarfati.
There is a printing error in this edition – leaves [32-33] were printed in the wrong order (the correct order is 33b, 32b, 33a, 32a). This error was later rectified, and the remaining copies were printed in the correct order. The corrected leaves were printed in a different typography, several printing errors were emended, and stretched Heh and Resh letters were used (see: Shimon Iakerson, Catalogue of Hebrew Incunabula from the Collection of the Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, vol. I, New York-Jerusalem 2004, pp. 236-241). This copy contains the uncorrected leaves.
Incomplete copy: [21] leaves (originally: [50] leaves. Lacking 29 leaves). Leaves present: [15-19], [22-27], [29-36], [39], [42] (leaves 3-7 of gathering 3, leaves 2-7 of gathering 4, gathering 5 complete [8 leaves], leaves 3 and 6 of gathering 6). 18.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Most leaves complete. Marginal open tears to several leaves, not affecting text. Open tear to final leaf, affecting text. Several other tears. Most tears repaired with paper. New binding (with leather spine).
Category
Incunabula and Early Printed Books
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $2,750
Including buyer's premium
Nachalat Avot, commentary to Pirkei Avot (with the text of Pirkei Avot), by R. Yitzchak Abarbanel. [Constantinople: David and Samuel ibn Nahmias and Isaac Kaspota, 1505]. First edition.
Printed without title page. The recto of leaf 1 is blank, and the verso features poems in praise of the book, set in a decorative woodcut border with animal and vegetal motifs (in this copy, this leaf was bound back to front, and the woodcut border appears on recto).
The books Rosh Amana and Zevach Pesach by R. Yitzchak Abarbanel were originally printed together with this book. The books were bound together, and share a single colophon. This volume comprises Nachalat Avot only.
R. Yitzchak Abarbanel (1437-1508), prominent Torah scholar and renowned statesman, foremost leader of Spanish Jewry in the time of the expulsion. He is renowned for his commentary to Torah and Neviim. Following the Spanish expulsion, he settled in Naples, Italy, where he completed the present composition, in 1496.
On the final leaf of this book, he concludes his work with the following words: "And this commentary was completed in Monopoli, in the Apulia region… where we settled following the fearful expulsion of Spanish Jewry, and this kingdom, which at first received us pleasantly, turned into an enemy… 1496". This first edition was printed in his lifetime, while he was in Venice, where he spent his final years.
Signatures on the first leaf: "Yosef son of Reuven", "Nissim son of R. –" (partly damaged).
Without Rosh Amana and Zevach Pesach, and without shared colophon leaf. [109] leaves (originally: 58 two-leaf gatherings, altogether [116] leaves). Lacking 7 leaves (leaf 2 of gathering 35, leaf 1 of gathering 45, leaf 2 of gathering 48, leaf 1 of gathering 51, leaf 2 of gathering 53, leaf 1 of gathering 54 and final leaf of gathering 58 – colophon leaf for all three compositions). First leaf with woodcut border bound back to front. 23 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Open tears and significant worming to some leaves, affecting text (partially repaired with paper and tape). Margins trimmed, affecting headings of several leaves. New leather binding.
One of the first Hebrew books printed in Constantinople. No. 3 in the list of Avraham Yaari, HaDfus HaIvri BeKushta, Jerusalem 1967.
Printed without title page. The recto of leaf 1 is blank, and the verso features poems in praise of the book, set in a decorative woodcut border with animal and vegetal motifs (in this copy, this leaf was bound back to front, and the woodcut border appears on recto).
The books Rosh Amana and Zevach Pesach by R. Yitzchak Abarbanel were originally printed together with this book. The books were bound together, and share a single colophon. This volume comprises Nachalat Avot only.
R. Yitzchak Abarbanel (1437-1508), prominent Torah scholar and renowned statesman, foremost leader of Spanish Jewry in the time of the expulsion. He is renowned for his commentary to Torah and Neviim. Following the Spanish expulsion, he settled in Naples, Italy, where he completed the present composition, in 1496.
On the final leaf of this book, he concludes his work with the following words: "And this commentary was completed in Monopoli, in the Apulia region… where we settled following the fearful expulsion of Spanish Jewry, and this kingdom, which at first received us pleasantly, turned into an enemy… 1496". This first edition was printed in his lifetime, while he was in Venice, where he spent his final years.
Signatures on the first leaf: "Yosef son of Reuven", "Nissim son of R. –" (partly damaged).
Without Rosh Amana and Zevach Pesach, and without shared colophon leaf. [109] leaves (originally: 58 two-leaf gatherings, altogether [116] leaves). Lacking 7 leaves (leaf 2 of gathering 35, leaf 1 of gathering 45, leaf 2 of gathering 48, leaf 1 of gathering 51, leaf 2 of gathering 53, leaf 1 of gathering 54 and final leaf of gathering 58 – colophon leaf for all three compositions). First leaf with woodcut border bound back to front. 23 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Open tears and significant worming to some leaves, affecting text (partially repaired with paper and tape). Margins trimmed, affecting headings of several leaves. New leather binding.
One of the first Hebrew books printed in Constantinople. No. 3 in the list of Avraham Yaari, HaDfus HaIvri BeKushta, Jerusalem 1967.
Category
Incunabula and Early Printed Books
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $9,375
Including buyer's premium
HaManhig, laws, customs and orders of prayers and blessings, by R. Avraham son of Natan (Raavan) HaYarchi (of Lunel). [Constantinople: Solomon son of Mazal Tov, 1519].
Complete copy. Woodcut border on title page.
First edition of HaManhig – a classic and important work on Halachah and customs, composed during the time of the Rishonim. The author, a Provence Torah scholar and disciple of R. Yitzchak the Tosaphist, describes in his preface his wanderings through various cities, where he took note of the customs which vary from one community to another, and relates his decision, in view of this, to compose the present work, while in Toledo in 1103. The book was named by the author Manhig Olam, yet in this first edition, the book was titled HaManhig, and so it is known.
Lengthy printer's colophon on the final page: "…completed on Tuesday, 8th Tammuz 1519 in Constantinople… so says the printer Shlomo son of R. Mazal Tov".
Inscription penciled on the title page: "Hekdesh of the yeshiva of the wealthy senor Rafael Kimchi".
[130] leaves (16 gatherings, 15 comprising 8 leaves each, and final one comprising 10 leaves. Leaves of first half of each gathering numbered). Wide margins. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Stains, including many dampstains. Marginal tear to title page. Marginal tears and wear to other leaves. Worming to title page and several other leaves (slightly affecting border and text). Dark ink stain to colophon on final leaf, affecting several words. New leather binding.
Complete copy. Woodcut border on title page.
First edition of HaManhig – a classic and important work on Halachah and customs, composed during the time of the Rishonim. The author, a Provence Torah scholar and disciple of R. Yitzchak the Tosaphist, describes in his preface his wanderings through various cities, where he took note of the customs which vary from one community to another, and relates his decision, in view of this, to compose the present work, while in Toledo in 1103. The book was named by the author Manhig Olam, yet in this first edition, the book was titled HaManhig, and so it is known.
Lengthy printer's colophon on the final page: "…completed on Tuesday, 8th Tammuz 1519 in Constantinople… so says the printer Shlomo son of R. Mazal Tov".
Inscription penciled on the title page: "Hekdesh of the yeshiva of the wealthy senor Rafael Kimchi".
[130] leaves (16 gatherings, 15 comprising 8 leaves each, and final one comprising 10 leaves. Leaves of first half of each gathering numbered). Wide margins. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Stains, including many dampstains. Marginal tear to title page. Marginal tears and wear to other leaves. Worming to title page and several other leaves (slightly affecting border and text). Dark ink stain to colophon on final leaf, affecting several words. New leather binding.
Category
Incunabula and Early Printed Books
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $8,125
Including buyer's premium
Midrash Chamesh Megillot – including: Shir HaShirim Rabbati, Midrash Ruth, Midrash Megillat Esther ("Achashverosh"), Eichah Rabbati and Midrash Kohelet. [Pesaro]: [Gershom] Soncino, [1519].
Title page and first page within woodcut border. Ornamental woodcut initial words at the beginning of each composition (apart from Midrash Eichah).
The title page only states "Midrash Chamesh Megillot", without imprint.
Colophon on final leaf, with year of printing and name of printer: "Printed in Italy by the Jewish printer Soncino… 1519…". This leaf also features closing remarks and a poem (in this copy, the leaf is torn and lacking, with loss of text).
Many inscriptions on the title page, including ownership inscriptions: "Gershon of Padua" and "Mine, Avraham Aharon Ashkenazi" (the leaf following the title page also contains his signature).
The book contains glosses, including lengthy ones, in Italian script, by an unidentified writer.
In a particularly long gloss on p. [97b], the writer addresses the Midrash of the Three Oaths, which forbids Jews to rebel against the nations and forcibly reclaim the land. He writes that it is incumbent upon the Jews to relate to the non-Jews amongst whom they live with respect, and act towards them with prudence, so that they shouldn't hate them or harm them. He concludes with hope for the coming of Mashiach and the Redemption, which will occur in the merit of sanctifying G-d's name amongst the nations.
[100] leaves. 28 cm. Overall good condition. Several leaves in fair condition. Stains, including dark stains to several leaves. Tears (including open tears) to title page and following leaf, repaired with paper. Tears to several other leaves, repaired with paper. Large open tear to final leaf (with loss of almost half the leaf), repaired with paper. Worming to a few leaves. Stamp. Leather binding, damaged and partially detached.
The Soncino family were prominent printers in the 15th and 16th century, and particularly in the incunabula period. They established their first printing press in Soncino, Italy, in ca. 1483, and later wandered through various Italian cities with their printing equipment, resuming their printing operations wherever they settled. One of the prominent members of this family was Gershom Soncino, printer of the present edition.
Title page and first page within woodcut border. Ornamental woodcut initial words at the beginning of each composition (apart from Midrash Eichah).
The title page only states "Midrash Chamesh Megillot", without imprint.
Colophon on final leaf, with year of printing and name of printer: "Printed in Italy by the Jewish printer Soncino… 1519…". This leaf also features closing remarks and a poem (in this copy, the leaf is torn and lacking, with loss of text).
Many inscriptions on the title page, including ownership inscriptions: "Gershon of Padua" and "Mine, Avraham Aharon Ashkenazi" (the leaf following the title page also contains his signature).
The book contains glosses, including lengthy ones, in Italian script, by an unidentified writer.
In a particularly long gloss on p. [97b], the writer addresses the Midrash of the Three Oaths, which forbids Jews to rebel against the nations and forcibly reclaim the land. He writes that it is incumbent upon the Jews to relate to the non-Jews amongst whom they live with respect, and act towards them with prudence, so that they shouldn't hate them or harm them. He concludes with hope for the coming of Mashiach and the Redemption, which will occur in the merit of sanctifying G-d's name amongst the nations.
[100] leaves. 28 cm. Overall good condition. Several leaves in fair condition. Stains, including dark stains to several leaves. Tears (including open tears) to title page and following leaf, repaired with paper. Tears to several other leaves, repaired with paper. Large open tear to final leaf (with loss of almost half the leaf), repaired with paper. Worming to a few leaves. Stamp. Leather binding, damaged and partially detached.
The Soncino family were prominent printers in the 15th and 16th century, and particularly in the incunabula period. They established their first printing press in Soncino, Italy, in ca. 1483, and later wandered through various Italian cities with their printing equipment, resuming their printing operations wherever they settled. One of the prominent members of this family was Gershom Soncino, printer of the present edition.
Category
Incunabula and Early Printed Books
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $1,800
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $2,250
Including buyer's premium
Or Amim, by R. Ovadia Sforno. Bologna: Silk Weaver's Guild, [1537]. First edition.
The author, R. Ovadia Sforno (d. 1550) was a leading Italian Torah scholar, renowned for his commentary to the Torah. He lived in Bologna, where he served as posek and earned a living as an expert physician. He was presumably one of the sponsors (or the initiators) of the establishment of the press of the Silk Weaver's Guild in Bologna. In his philosophic work Or Amim, R. Ovadia Sforno challenges and refutes the theories of the renowned Greek philosopher Aristotle. He later translated his work to Latin, and the Latin edition was also printed in Bologna, a year later, in 1538. This is the first book printed by the Silk Weaver's Guild (and one of the first Hebrew books printed in Bologna).
Ownership inscriptions on the title page: "This book was allotted to me, I ---" (deleted); "Was allotted to me, Michael Elisha of Mode[na]" (a Torah scholar of Modena. His surname was Malach. Died 1656. See enclosed material).
On final page, Hebrew inscription in Italian script: "…the derogatory words about pagans do not refer to Christians…". This inscription was presumably written by an apostate censor (see: Benayahu, Haskama VeReshut BiDfusei Venitzia, p. 192). Censors' signatures in Italian beneath this inscription.
64 leaves. 19 cm. Wide margins. High-quality paper. Good condition. Stains (including dark stains). Worming (affecting text of first leaves). Inscriptions. New binding, with minor damage.
The author, R. Ovadia Sforno (d. 1550) was a leading Italian Torah scholar, renowned for his commentary to the Torah. He lived in Bologna, where he served as posek and earned a living as an expert physician. He was presumably one of the sponsors (or the initiators) of the establishment of the press of the Silk Weaver's Guild in Bologna. In his philosophic work Or Amim, R. Ovadia Sforno challenges and refutes the theories of the renowned Greek philosopher Aristotle. He later translated his work to Latin, and the Latin edition was also printed in Bologna, a year later, in 1538. This is the first book printed by the Silk Weaver's Guild (and one of the first Hebrew books printed in Bologna).
Ownership inscriptions on the title page: "This book was allotted to me, I ---" (deleted); "Was allotted to me, Michael Elisha of Mode[na]" (a Torah scholar of Modena. His surname was Malach. Died 1656. See enclosed material).
On final page, Hebrew inscription in Italian script: "…the derogatory words about pagans do not refer to Christians…". This inscription was presumably written by an apostate censor (see: Benayahu, Haskama VeReshut BiDfusei Venitzia, p. 192). Censors' signatures in Italian beneath this inscription.
64 leaves. 19 cm. Wide margins. High-quality paper. Good condition. Stains (including dark stains). Worming (affecting text of first leaves). Inscriptions. New binding, with minor damage.
Category
Incunabula and Early Printed Books
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
Sold for: $13,750
Including buyer's premium
Selichot, following the rite of Lesser and Greater Poland. Slavita: R. Moshe Shapira, rabbi of Slavita, [1819].
Lengthy handwritten explanatory glosses in the margins (Ashkenazic script, typical of the 19th century). In the gloss on p. 2a, the writer raises a difficulty on one of the commentaries and notes that "…in a responsum to Russia, I explained this at length". In a different gloss (p. 8b), he refers to Teshuvot HaGeonim printed in Zikaron LaRishonim (Berlin, 1887). The identity of the writer is not known, yet he appears to be an outstanding Torah scholar and rabbi, who even sent halachic responsa to other countries.
Various inscriptions in Yiddish and in Latin characters on the endpapers and other leaves (from various writers; not in the same hand as the glosses).
Beautifully printed Selichot, in large typeface. The merits of this edition are noted on the title page.
[1], 2-74 leaves. 22.5 cm. Bluish paper. Fair-good condition. Stains. Wear and many creases (predominantly to first leaves). Tears and worming, affecting several words (repaired with acid-free tape). New binding.
Lengthy handwritten explanatory glosses in the margins (Ashkenazic script, typical of the 19th century). In the gloss on p. 2a, the writer raises a difficulty on one of the commentaries and notes that "…in a responsum to Russia, I explained this at length". In a different gloss (p. 8b), he refers to Teshuvot HaGeonim printed in Zikaron LaRishonim (Berlin, 1887). The identity of the writer is not known, yet he appears to be an outstanding Torah scholar and rabbi, who even sent halachic responsa to other countries.
Various inscriptions in Yiddish and in Latin characters on the endpapers and other leaves (from various writers; not in the same hand as the glosses).
Beautifully printed Selichot, in large typeface. The merits of this edition are noted on the title page.
[1], 2-74 leaves. 22.5 cm. Bluish paper. Fair-good condition. Stains. Wear and many creases (predominantly to first leaves). Tears and worming, affecting several words (repaired with acid-free tape). New binding.
Category
Books Printed in Slavita and Zhitomir
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000
Sold for: $23,750
Including buyer's premium
Nusach Sefard siddur, Tikunei Shabbat with Derech HaChaim, two parts. Zhitomir: R. Chanina Lipa and R. Yehoshua Heshel Shapira, grandsons of the rabbi of Slavita, 1860.
Two title pages at the beginning of Part I, and an additional title page for Part II. Siddur of R. Moshe of Działoszyn (based on the Warsaw 1827 edition and the Józefów 1842 edition).
Similar edition to the one printed in Zhitomir, 1857. The present 1860 edition is not listed in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book.
[4], 428 pages; [2], 431-684 pages. 21.5 cm. Light-colored, high-quality paper. Wide margins. Good-fair condition. Stains. Minor tears. Significant worming, affecting text (book professionally restored, damage hardly noticeable). New leather binding.
Extremely rare siddur. Of the previous edition as well (Zhitomir, 1857), only a few copies are extant.
Two title pages at the beginning of Part I, and an additional title page for Part II. Siddur of R. Moshe of Działoszyn (based on the Warsaw 1827 edition and the Józefów 1842 edition).
Similar edition to the one printed in Zhitomir, 1857. The present 1860 edition is not listed in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book.
[4], 428 pages; [2], 431-684 pages. 21.5 cm. Light-colored, high-quality paper. Wide margins. Good-fair condition. Stains. Minor tears. Significant worming, affecting text (book professionally restored, damage hardly noticeable). New leather binding.
Extremely rare siddur. Of the previous edition as well (Zhitomir, 1857), only a few copies are extant.
Category
Books Printed in Slavita and Zhitomir
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $5,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $8,125
Including buyer's premium
Tehillim, Diglei Hodaya VehaMitzvah, with Seder Maamadot by the rabbi of Apta. Zhitomir: R. Aryeh Leib Shapira grandson of the rabbi of Slavita, 1866.
Two title pages. On the first title page, the word Jerusalem is emphasized in red. Additional title page for Seder Maamadot. In this copy, Seder Maamadot is incomplete.
Many approbations by rabbis of Eretz Israel and long list of pre-subscribers from Eretz Israel and Russia at the beginning of the book (featuring the names of many prominent rabbis and rebbes).
At the beginning of Seder Maamadot, additional list of pre-subscribers (including the four sons of Rebbe Yitzchak of Skver and others). Before the book of Tehillim: "Order of handwashing to replace immersing in a mikveh", compiled by the maggid R. Mordechai of Chernobyl, from the Baal Shem Tov.
440, 221-225, [11]; [4], 50 pages (originally: 440, 221-225, [11]; [4], 112, 57-64, 61-64, 28 pages). Lacking 102 pages. Lacking pages are all from Seder Maamadot; Book of Tehillim complete. 20 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, some dark. Tears and damage to two title pages and other leaves, slightly affecting text in a few places, professionally restored. New leather binding.
Two title pages. On the first title page, the word Jerusalem is emphasized in red. Additional title page for Seder Maamadot. In this copy, Seder Maamadot is incomplete.
Many approbations by rabbis of Eretz Israel and long list of pre-subscribers from Eretz Israel and Russia at the beginning of the book (featuring the names of many prominent rabbis and rebbes).
At the beginning of Seder Maamadot, additional list of pre-subscribers (including the four sons of Rebbe Yitzchak of Skver and others). Before the book of Tehillim: "Order of handwashing to replace immersing in a mikveh", compiled by the maggid R. Mordechai of Chernobyl, from the Baal Shem Tov.
440, 221-225, [11]; [4], 50 pages (originally: 440, 221-225, [11]; [4], 112, 57-64, 61-64, 28 pages). Lacking 102 pages. Lacking pages are all from Seder Maamadot; Book of Tehillim complete. 20 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, some dark. Tears and damage to two title pages and other leaves, slightly affecting text in a few places, professionally restored. New leather binding.
Category
Books Printed in Slavita and Zhitomir
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $4,000
Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000
Sold for: $5,750
Including buyer's premium
Eleven booklets, Techinot (supplications) for women in Yiddish, printed in Zhitomir by the Shapira brothers, grandsons of the rabbi of Slavita (apart from one booklet printed by Shadov). The imprints (details of printing and name of printer) on the title pages are printed, partially or completely, in Cyrillic characters.
• Techinah Shabbat. Zhitomir: Shapira Brothers, 1857.
• Techinah for Rosh Chodesh Bentschen, Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, Leah. Zhitomir: Shapira Brothers, 1858. Not listed in the NLI catalog.
• Techinah Bakashah (to be recited upon arriving at the synagogue). Zhitomir: Shapira Brothers, 1861. Greenish paper. Leaves bound out of order (pagination skips page numbers 23-24, book appears to be complete). Not listed in the NLI catalog.
• Techinah Imahot. Zhitomir: Shapira Brothers, 1861. Greenish paper. Not listed in the NLI catalog.
• Techinot Mikra Kodesh, supplications for the blessing of the new month, with the times of the Moladot of each month. Zhitomir: Shapira Brothers, 1862. Lists of Moladot for 1862-1867, with Yiddish text to be recited in the synagogue. Incomplete copy. 34 pages (lacking pages 35-45). The copy recorded in the NLI catalog is lacking the title page.
• Techinah Kodem HaTefillah. Zhitomir: R. Aryeh Leib Shapira, 1863. Not listed in the NLI catalog.
• Techinah Birchot HaNerot, order of candle lighting for women, with supplications for the High Holidays and the three festivals, by R. "Yisrael G.B. [Goldberger] of Ivnytsia". Zhitomir: [Shapira], 1864. Open tears, affecting text.
• Techinah Kol Bechiot, brought from Eretz Israel, by Mrs. Henna daughter of Yehuda. Zhitomir: R. Aryeh Leib Shapira, 1864. Not listed in the NLI catalog.
• Techinah Imrei Shefer, six new supplications for various special times, by R. Yisrael G.B. [Goldberger] of Ivnytsia. Zhitomir: R. Aryeh Leib Shapira, 1864. Not listed in the NLI catalog. Large open tears (in a few places, with loss to almost half the leaf), affecting text with loss. May be lacking one leaf or more.
• Prager Techinah. Zhitomir: R. Aryeh Leib Shapira, 1864. 16 leaves. Lacking end. Not listed in the NLI catalog.
• Techinah Imahot for Rosh Chodesh Elul. Zhitomir: R. Avraham Shalom Shadov, 1866. Not listed in the NLI catalog.
Eleven booklets. 14-16 cm. Condition varies. Stains. Wear and tears in various places. New bindings.
• Techinah Shabbat. Zhitomir: Shapira Brothers, 1857.
• Techinah for Rosh Chodesh Bentschen, Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, Leah. Zhitomir: Shapira Brothers, 1858. Not listed in the NLI catalog.
• Techinah Bakashah (to be recited upon arriving at the synagogue). Zhitomir: Shapira Brothers, 1861. Greenish paper. Leaves bound out of order (pagination skips page numbers 23-24, book appears to be complete). Not listed in the NLI catalog.
• Techinah Imahot. Zhitomir: Shapira Brothers, 1861. Greenish paper. Not listed in the NLI catalog.
• Techinot Mikra Kodesh, supplications for the blessing of the new month, with the times of the Moladot of each month. Zhitomir: Shapira Brothers, 1862. Lists of Moladot for 1862-1867, with Yiddish text to be recited in the synagogue. Incomplete copy. 34 pages (lacking pages 35-45). The copy recorded in the NLI catalog is lacking the title page.
• Techinah Kodem HaTefillah. Zhitomir: R. Aryeh Leib Shapira, 1863. Not listed in the NLI catalog.
• Techinah Birchot HaNerot, order of candle lighting for women, with supplications for the High Holidays and the three festivals, by R. "Yisrael G.B. [Goldberger] of Ivnytsia". Zhitomir: [Shapira], 1864. Open tears, affecting text.
• Techinah Kol Bechiot, brought from Eretz Israel, by Mrs. Henna daughter of Yehuda. Zhitomir: R. Aryeh Leib Shapira, 1864. Not listed in the NLI catalog.
• Techinah Imrei Shefer, six new supplications for various special times, by R. Yisrael G.B. [Goldberger] of Ivnytsia. Zhitomir: R. Aryeh Leib Shapira, 1864. Not listed in the NLI catalog. Large open tears (in a few places, with loss to almost half the leaf), affecting text with loss. May be lacking one leaf or more.
• Prager Techinah. Zhitomir: R. Aryeh Leib Shapira, 1864. 16 leaves. Lacking end. Not listed in the NLI catalog.
• Techinah Imahot for Rosh Chodesh Elul. Zhitomir: R. Avraham Shalom Shadov, 1866. Not listed in the NLI catalog.
Eleven booklets. 14-16 cm. Condition varies. Stains. Wear and tears in various places. New bindings.
Category
Books Printed in Slavita and Zhitomir
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $10,000
Estimate: $12,000 - $15,000
Sold for: $20,000
Including buyer's premium
Large, varied collection of printed matter, books, booklets and calendars printed in Bombay, India, encompassing an entire century, from the beginning of Hebrew printing in Bombay in 1841, until the mid-20th century. Hebrew, Judeo-Arabic and Marathi.
A collection rare in its scope, including more than 120 items: books, booklets, leaves and calendars.
This collection documents the history of Hebrew printing in Bombay, from its beginning in 1841. It contains almost half of the Hebrew books printed in Bombay, including various books printed for the Bene Israel and the Baghdadi communities, and dozens of calendars (some illustrated). Some items are lithographed.
The collection comes from the library of the renowned collector R. David Sassoon, and was the basis of the bibliographic list of works printed in Bombay published by the researcher and bibliographer Avraham Ya'ari in the book Hebrew Printing in the East (Vol. II, Jerusalem 1940, Bombay). This collection includes many items which do not appear in Ya'ari's list.
Items include: • Machzor for days of Selichot and Hatarat Nedarim. Bombay, [1841]. Lithograph. The first Hebrew book printed in Bombay. Ya'ari, no. 90. • Passover Haggadah with Sharh (Judeo-Arabic translation). Bombay, [ca. 1856]. Lithograph. Ya'ari no. 7. • Chanoch LaNa'ar. Bombay, [ca. 1856]. Lithograph. Ya'ari, no. 9. • Sefer HaPizmonim. Bombay, [1856]. Lithograph on blue paper. Ya'ari, no 11. • Sharh Ruth. [Bombay, 1859]. The first book printed in Bombay using movable type. Ya'ari no. 15. • "And on your days of joy and festivals" – Lithograph leaf. [ca. 1880]. Ya'ari, no. 23. • "Prayer for the Jews in Russia". Bombay, [1882]. Ya'ari no. 104. • "Tefillah le-Hitpallel Yahad Kol Hosei be-Tzel Memshelet Britanya", prayer for the success of the British Armed Forces. Bombay, [1914]. Ya'ari, no. 83. • Ya'arat HaDvash, Otzar HaShorashim V'Aruch, by Rabbi Yechezkel Ya'akov Rachamim. Bombay, 1890. The entire composition Shemot HaTsaddikim by Rabbi Natan of Breslov appears at the beginning of the book. Ya'ari, no. 64. • Tefillat HaChodesh – The Daily Prayers, siddur according to Sephardi rite, translated into Marathi. Bombay, 1934. Ya'ari, no. 142. Fine copy, with gilt lettering on binding: "Rachel, wife of David Ezra…Calcutta". • And more.
The establishment of Hebrew printing in Bombay is tied to the development of two Jewish communities in the city: The Bene Israel community and the community of Baghdadis led by R. David Sassoon. Thus, the books printed in Bombay can be divided into two categories – those printed for Bene Israel and those printed for the Baghdadi community. The first four books printed in Bombay, during 1841-1853, were printed by Cochin Jews who settled in the city, and were intended for the Bene Israel community. In 1855, the Beit David Society of Baghdadi Jews also began to print books. For many years, all books were printed by lithography. In 1859, Binyamin Yitzchak Ashkenazi attempted to establish a letterpress printing firm and printed the book Sharh Ruth using movable type which he cut or poured himself. However, this was the only book printed in letterpress, and Bombay remained without a printing firm for another 22 years until 1882. Beginning in 1882, several firms were founded in Bombay, primarily The Bombay Education Society's Press (established in 1882), which printed books for both the Bene Israel and the Baghdadi communities, The Anglo-Jewish and Vernacular Press (founded in 1884), the Hebrew and English Press founded by Yechezkel Shem Tov David (founded in 1887) and the press of Yehuda David Ashkenazi and his son (founded in 1900).
56 books (in 59 volumes), 5 leaves, 61 calendars and 3 cards with prayer timetables. Size and condition vary. Some with damage or lacking leaves. Some bear signatures and ownership inscriptions.
A detailed list is available upon request.
Provenance: The Sassoon Family Collection.
A collection rare in its scope, including more than 120 items: books, booklets, leaves and calendars.
This collection documents the history of Hebrew printing in Bombay, from its beginning in 1841. It contains almost half of the Hebrew books printed in Bombay, including various books printed for the Bene Israel and the Baghdadi communities, and dozens of calendars (some illustrated). Some items are lithographed.
The collection comes from the library of the renowned collector R. David Sassoon, and was the basis of the bibliographic list of works printed in Bombay published by the researcher and bibliographer Avraham Ya'ari in the book Hebrew Printing in the East (Vol. II, Jerusalem 1940, Bombay). This collection includes many items which do not appear in Ya'ari's list.
Items include: • Machzor for days of Selichot and Hatarat Nedarim. Bombay, [1841]. Lithograph. The first Hebrew book printed in Bombay. Ya'ari, no. 90. • Passover Haggadah with Sharh (Judeo-Arabic translation). Bombay, [ca. 1856]. Lithograph. Ya'ari no. 7. • Chanoch LaNa'ar. Bombay, [ca. 1856]. Lithograph. Ya'ari, no. 9. • Sefer HaPizmonim. Bombay, [1856]. Lithograph on blue paper. Ya'ari, no 11. • Sharh Ruth. [Bombay, 1859]. The first book printed in Bombay using movable type. Ya'ari no. 15. • "And on your days of joy and festivals" – Lithograph leaf. [ca. 1880]. Ya'ari, no. 23. • "Prayer for the Jews in Russia". Bombay, [1882]. Ya'ari no. 104. • "Tefillah le-Hitpallel Yahad Kol Hosei be-Tzel Memshelet Britanya", prayer for the success of the British Armed Forces. Bombay, [1914]. Ya'ari, no. 83. • Ya'arat HaDvash, Otzar HaShorashim V'Aruch, by Rabbi Yechezkel Ya'akov Rachamim. Bombay, 1890. The entire composition Shemot HaTsaddikim by Rabbi Natan of Breslov appears at the beginning of the book. Ya'ari, no. 64. • Tefillat HaChodesh – The Daily Prayers, siddur according to Sephardi rite, translated into Marathi. Bombay, 1934. Ya'ari, no. 142. Fine copy, with gilt lettering on binding: "Rachel, wife of David Ezra…Calcutta". • And more.
The establishment of Hebrew printing in Bombay is tied to the development of two Jewish communities in the city: The Bene Israel community and the community of Baghdadis led by R. David Sassoon. Thus, the books printed in Bombay can be divided into two categories – those printed for Bene Israel and those printed for the Baghdadi community. The first four books printed in Bombay, during 1841-1853, were printed by Cochin Jews who settled in the city, and were intended for the Bene Israel community. In 1855, the Beit David Society of Baghdadi Jews also began to print books. For many years, all books were printed by lithography. In 1859, Binyamin Yitzchak Ashkenazi attempted to establish a letterpress printing firm and printed the book Sharh Ruth using movable type which he cut or poured himself. However, this was the only book printed in letterpress, and Bombay remained without a printing firm for another 22 years until 1882. Beginning in 1882, several firms were founded in Bombay, primarily The Bombay Education Society's Press (established in 1882), which printed books for both the Bene Israel and the Baghdadi communities, The Anglo-Jewish and Vernacular Press (founded in 1884), the Hebrew and English Press founded by Yechezkel Shem Tov David (founded in 1887) and the press of Yehuda David Ashkenazi and his son (founded in 1900).
56 books (in 59 volumes), 5 leaves, 61 calendars and 3 cards with prayer timetables. Size and condition vary. Some with damage or lacking leaves. Some bear signatures and ownership inscriptions.
A detailed list is available upon request.
Provenance: The Sassoon Family Collection.
Category
The Sassoon Collection: Letters, Books Printed in India
Catalogue
Auction 75 - Rare and Important Items
November 24, 2020
Opening: $7,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000
Sold for: $20,000
Including buyer's premium
Large, varied collection of books, booklets and various printed matter, printed in Calcutta, India, encompassing an entire century, from the beginning of Hebrew printing in Calcutta in 1840, until the mid-20th century.
A collection rare in its scope, including more than 100 items: books, booklets, leaves and calendars. The collection documents the history of Hebrew printing in Calcutta beginning in 1840. It includes most of the first books printed in the city during the 1840s (22 of the first 26 books printed in Calcutta by R. Elazar Iraki. Nos. 1, 3-7, 9-10, 12-17, 19-26 in Ya'ari's list) and about half of all books ever printed in Calcutta. Some are lithographed.
The collection comes from the library of the renowned collector R. David Sassoon, and was the basis of the bibliographic list of works printed in Calcutta published by the researcher and bibliographer Avraham Ya'ari in the book Hebrew Printing in the East (Vol. 2, Jerusalem 1940, Calcutta). This collection also contains many items which do not appear in Ya'ari's list.
Items include: • Shir HaShirim, with Targum Yonatan ben Uziel and Judeo-Arabic translation. Calcutta, [1840]. Ya'ari, no. 1. The first lithographed book printed in Calcutta. That same year, Elazar Iraki printed Sha'arei Kedusha (in letterpress). According to Ya'ari, Shir HaShirim was printed before the Iraki printing press was established. No other lithographed books were printed in Culcutta until 1871. • Tractate Avot, with Judeo-Arabic translation. Calcutta, [1844]. Ya'ari, no. 15. Printed on bluish paper. • Raziel HaMalach. Calcutta, [1845]. Ya'ari, no. 17. Printed on bluish paper. • Imrei Shabbat, "to clarify the prohibition of riding the steam engines of the railway on Shabbat…", by R. Chaim Ya'akov HaKohen [Feinstein] "emissary of the city of Safed". Calcutta, [1874]. Ya'ari, no. 29. • Regulations of the Magen David synagogue, in Judeo-Arabic. Calcutta, [1894]. Ya'ari, no. 82. • Sefer HaAchlama, interpretation of dreams. Calcutta, 1844. Lithographed manuscript. Ya'ari, no. 117. • Lithograph – the piyyut "Melech HaMefo'ar B'Rom Hodo…", by the Magen David synagogue, 1924. Printed in honor of R. Eliyahu Moshe Dweck HaKohen on his fiftieth anniversary serving as rabbi of the Magen David synagogue in Calcutta. Ya'ari, no. 119. • Lithograph printed in gold – the piyyut "E-l Rachum Shemecha…". Ya'ari, no. 120. [Calcutta, year not indicated]. • Lithographed booklet, Haftarah of Tisha B'Av, with Judeo-Arabic translation, by "Shalom Yehoshua Iraki HaKohen teacher in Calcutta". [Year unknown]. Ya'ari, no. 123. • Chart for teaching the Hebrew Alphabet to children, with the verses of Shema Yisrael. Lithographed. [Calcutta, 1890]. Ya'ari, no. 124. • "Tachel Shana U'Virchoteha", two lithographs, with the simanim of Rosh Hashana eve. [Calcutta, year not indicated]. Ya'ari, no. 132-133. • "…prayer to recite before and after kindling Shabbat and festival candles". [Calcutta, year not indicated]. Lithograph. Ya'ari, no. 134. • Prayer booklets for various occasions (in honor of Queen Victoria, upon the coronation of King George, etc.). • Cards with timetables for prayers in the synagogue. • Large-format wall calendars. • And more.
The first Hebrew press in Calcutta was established by R. Elazar Iraki HaKohen, a Jew of Yemenite origin, in 1840. R. Iraki's press operated until 1856, producing high-quality books which compare favourably with contemporary Hebrew printing in Europe. It seems that R. Iraki himself cast the type, and indeed the type used in his press differs from European type. Iraki printed many books by Yemenite sages, including halachic books by the Maharitz (which he was the first to print) and Sefer HaPizmonim – poems by Yemenite poets. R. Iraqi was not only a craftsman, but also a Torah scholar who edited, proofread and corrected the works he printed. Among other works, he translated the Passover Haggadah which was printed in his press and added 22 of his piyyutim to Sefer HaPizmonim. His printer's device depicts hands raised for the priestly benediction and the name "Iraki" or "Iraki Katz" (Kohen Tzedek). Iraki ceased printing in 1856, lacking sufficient demand for his books. Most of the books printed by Iraki are present in this collection.
Hebrew printing in Calcutta was renewed only in 1871 by the printer Yechezkel ben Suliman Hanin, who printed a total of 10 books (including two books by the Safed emissary Rabbi Chaim Ya'akov HaKohen Feinstein). This collection contains six of the books printed by Hanin.
In 1881, the rabbi of the Magen David synagogue in Calcutta, R. Eliyahu son of Moshe Dweck HaKohen, established his own printing press. Since he was a Kohen and considered himself a successor of the first printer Iraki, he designed a printer's device similar to Iraki's, also depicting hands raised for the priestly benediction. He printed a total of six books, four of which are present in this collection.
In 1888, Rabbi Shlomo (Solomon) Tawina of Baghdad established his printing press in Calcutta. R. Shlomo Tawina was an outstanding Torah scholar and before moving to India, printed books in Baghdad. He printed many books, including many of his own works. His printing press, active until ca. 1902, was the last large press in India. This collection contains 27 books printed by Tawina.
Alongside books printed by these established presses, a number of works were printed by lithography. As early as 1840, the year of the establishment of the first Hebrew press, Isaac ben Jacob of Baghdad printed a lithographic book – Shir HaShirim with Targum Yonatan and a Judeo-Arabic translation. The establishment of Iraki's press rendered lithography unnecessary and lithographic printing was taken up anew only in 1871. This collection contains 11 lithographs.
73 books, booklets and pamphlets, 20 calendars (cards, booklets and wall calendars), 8 single leaves (some lithographs, one torn and mostly lacking), 7 cards with timetables for prayers. Total of 108 items. Size and condition vary. Some have damage or lacking leaves. Some bear signatures and ownership inscriptions.
A detailed list is available upon request.
Provenance: The Sassoon Family Collection.
A collection rare in its scope, including more than 100 items: books, booklets, leaves and calendars. The collection documents the history of Hebrew printing in Calcutta beginning in 1840. It includes most of the first books printed in the city during the 1840s (22 of the first 26 books printed in Calcutta by R. Elazar Iraki. Nos. 1, 3-7, 9-10, 12-17, 19-26 in Ya'ari's list) and about half of all books ever printed in Calcutta. Some are lithographed.
The collection comes from the library of the renowned collector R. David Sassoon, and was the basis of the bibliographic list of works printed in Calcutta published by the researcher and bibliographer Avraham Ya'ari in the book Hebrew Printing in the East (Vol. 2, Jerusalem 1940, Calcutta). This collection also contains many items which do not appear in Ya'ari's list.
Items include: • Shir HaShirim, with Targum Yonatan ben Uziel and Judeo-Arabic translation. Calcutta, [1840]. Ya'ari, no. 1. The first lithographed book printed in Calcutta. That same year, Elazar Iraki printed Sha'arei Kedusha (in letterpress). According to Ya'ari, Shir HaShirim was printed before the Iraki printing press was established. No other lithographed books were printed in Culcutta until 1871. • Tractate Avot, with Judeo-Arabic translation. Calcutta, [1844]. Ya'ari, no. 15. Printed on bluish paper. • Raziel HaMalach. Calcutta, [1845]. Ya'ari, no. 17. Printed on bluish paper. • Imrei Shabbat, "to clarify the prohibition of riding the steam engines of the railway on Shabbat…", by R. Chaim Ya'akov HaKohen [Feinstein] "emissary of the city of Safed". Calcutta, [1874]. Ya'ari, no. 29. • Regulations of the Magen David synagogue, in Judeo-Arabic. Calcutta, [1894]. Ya'ari, no. 82. • Sefer HaAchlama, interpretation of dreams. Calcutta, 1844. Lithographed manuscript. Ya'ari, no. 117. • Lithograph – the piyyut "Melech HaMefo'ar B'Rom Hodo…", by the Magen David synagogue, 1924. Printed in honor of R. Eliyahu Moshe Dweck HaKohen on his fiftieth anniversary serving as rabbi of the Magen David synagogue in Calcutta. Ya'ari, no. 119. • Lithograph printed in gold – the piyyut "E-l Rachum Shemecha…". Ya'ari, no. 120. [Calcutta, year not indicated]. • Lithographed booklet, Haftarah of Tisha B'Av, with Judeo-Arabic translation, by "Shalom Yehoshua Iraki HaKohen teacher in Calcutta". [Year unknown]. Ya'ari, no. 123. • Chart for teaching the Hebrew Alphabet to children, with the verses of Shema Yisrael. Lithographed. [Calcutta, 1890]. Ya'ari, no. 124. • "Tachel Shana U'Virchoteha", two lithographs, with the simanim of Rosh Hashana eve. [Calcutta, year not indicated]. Ya'ari, no. 132-133. • "…prayer to recite before and after kindling Shabbat and festival candles". [Calcutta, year not indicated]. Lithograph. Ya'ari, no. 134. • Prayer booklets for various occasions (in honor of Queen Victoria, upon the coronation of King George, etc.). • Cards with timetables for prayers in the synagogue. • Large-format wall calendars. • And more.
The first Hebrew press in Calcutta was established by R. Elazar Iraki HaKohen, a Jew of Yemenite origin, in 1840. R. Iraki's press operated until 1856, producing high-quality books which compare favourably with contemporary Hebrew printing in Europe. It seems that R. Iraki himself cast the type, and indeed the type used in his press differs from European type. Iraki printed many books by Yemenite sages, including halachic books by the Maharitz (which he was the first to print) and Sefer HaPizmonim – poems by Yemenite poets. R. Iraqi was not only a craftsman, but also a Torah scholar who edited, proofread and corrected the works he printed. Among other works, he translated the Passover Haggadah which was printed in his press and added 22 of his piyyutim to Sefer HaPizmonim. His printer's device depicts hands raised for the priestly benediction and the name "Iraki" or "Iraki Katz" (Kohen Tzedek). Iraki ceased printing in 1856, lacking sufficient demand for his books. Most of the books printed by Iraki are present in this collection.
Hebrew printing in Calcutta was renewed only in 1871 by the printer Yechezkel ben Suliman Hanin, who printed a total of 10 books (including two books by the Safed emissary Rabbi Chaim Ya'akov HaKohen Feinstein). This collection contains six of the books printed by Hanin.
In 1881, the rabbi of the Magen David synagogue in Calcutta, R. Eliyahu son of Moshe Dweck HaKohen, established his own printing press. Since he was a Kohen and considered himself a successor of the first printer Iraki, he designed a printer's device similar to Iraki's, also depicting hands raised for the priestly benediction. He printed a total of six books, four of which are present in this collection.
In 1888, Rabbi Shlomo (Solomon) Tawina of Baghdad established his printing press in Calcutta. R. Shlomo Tawina was an outstanding Torah scholar and before moving to India, printed books in Baghdad. He printed many books, including many of his own works. His printing press, active until ca. 1902, was the last large press in India. This collection contains 27 books printed by Tawina.
Alongside books printed by these established presses, a number of works were printed by lithography. As early as 1840, the year of the establishment of the first Hebrew press, Isaac ben Jacob of Baghdad printed a lithographic book – Shir HaShirim with Targum Yonatan and a Judeo-Arabic translation. The establishment of Iraki's press rendered lithography unnecessary and lithographic printing was taken up anew only in 1871. This collection contains 11 lithographs.
73 books, booklets and pamphlets, 20 calendars (cards, booklets and wall calendars), 8 single leaves (some lithographs, one torn and mostly lacking), 7 cards with timetables for prayers. Total of 108 items. Size and condition vary. Some have damage or lacking leaves. Some bear signatures and ownership inscriptions.
A detailed list is available upon request.
Provenance: The Sassoon Family Collection.
Category
The Sassoon Collection: Letters, Books Printed in India
Catalogue