Illuminated book of haftarot, with embroidered binder. [Central Europe, (perhaps Germany or the Netherlands?), ca. 18th century].
Ink and paint on parchment; embroidery of colored silk thread and metallic threads on linen.
Book of Haftarot in scroll-form, comprising the year-round haftarot and haftarot for special Shabbatot. Written on parchment in square, vocalized script, with cantillation marks. Initial words emphasized and enlarged, ornamented with delicate colorful floral designs, inspired by late-medieval and Renaissance manuscripts (possibly added at a later date). The first initial word includes miniature illustrations.
The haftarot for Parashiot Vayakhel and Pekudei are marked "Ashkenazi rite", likewise the haftarah for Parashat Zachor.
The book is wound like a Torah scroll on two wooden staves, and accompanied by a corresponding binder embroidered with delicate floral patterns in colored silk and metallic threads; the binder embroidery is reminiscent of the ornaments found in the scroll itself.

Height of parchment: 32 cm; height including staves: 60 cm. Overall good condition. Binder – length: approx. 90 cm. Maximum width: 20 cm. Fair condition. Extensive wear, rubbing and unraveling.

Reference: Scrolling Through the Haftarah, by David Stern, in: Windows on Jewish Worlds, Essays in Honor of William Gross, edited by Shalom Sabar, Emile Schrijver and Falk Wiesemann, pp. 165-173.
Provenance: The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, 082.012.005.