Small "Shiviti, " with fine representations of the "LaMenatze'ah" Menorah and Temple vessels, and with Biblical verses, abbreviations, and kabbalistic names, used for purposes of protection and defense. Scribe: Joshua Nahman of Ancona (Italy). Rome, 5591 [1831].
Ink and pencil on parchment.
An artistically rendered "Shiviti" with illustrations of the Temple Menorah (Seven-branched Candelabrum) and Temple vessels, and an additional illustration of a small Menorah enclosed within a Star of David (at the base of the large Menorah). The illustrations are in pencil, with ink delicately added to create an illusion of shadows and depth.
The work is replete with letter combinations, initials (abbreviations), Biblical verses, and names, bearing the potential, in kabbalistic thought, of offering protection and defense. Some of the specific devices used here are rather unusual, and not commonly found on "Shiviti" of this sort. For instance, the verses of Psalms 4 are enclosed within rectangular ornaments on either side of the shaft of the large Menorah; they are written in reverse, beginning at the end on the bottom left and concluding at the beginning, on the top right.
The artist-scribe has signed his name in the bottom margin: " Created by … Joshua Nahman … of the City of Ancona [Italy], here in Rome, Year 5591 [1831 CE]."
Approx. 17.5X10 cm. Good condition. Stains and some fading to ink. Framed in 29X20 cm carved wooden frame (openable).