Auction 69 - Part I -Rare and Important Items

Manuscript – Rashi Commentary on the Torah – Yemen, 14th/15th Century

Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $10,625
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Rashi commentary on the Torah. [Yemen, 14th/15th century].
Neat, early Yemenite script. Thick volume, comprising the commentary to almost all of the Five Books of the Torah. Initial words at the beginning of the books of Shemot, Vayikra and Bamidbar set within decorative panels.
At the end of Bereshit (p. [82a]) and at the end of Bamidbar (p. [241b]), inscriptions attesting to the purchase of the book in 1549: " I purchased this Midrash from Shalom HaLevi in Elul 1549" (the manuscript itself was written well before these inscriptions).
Glosses in the margins of several leaves (emendations, references and commentaries).
[283] leaves (lacking beginning and end. Begins with Bereshit 2:5; ends with Devarim 33:22. Lacking several leaves in middle, replaced in later script). 21 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear, tears and worming. Several detached leaves, some with tears affecting text with loss. Worming affecting text to several leaves. Old leather binding, detached and damaged.
Enclosed: Expert report from Mr. Benjamin Richler, emeritus director of the Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts in the NLI.
Manuscripts
Manuscripts