Miniature Esther scroll, with decorated leaf of blessings for the Megillah reading. Italy, [18th century].
Ink and paint on parchment; wood, turned and carved.
Miniature Esther scroll, written in Italian script on six thin, light-colored parchment membranes, 38 columns, 15 lines per column. First membrane with decorative right edge. Wooden roller with an ornamental tiered finial.
Enclosed: a parchment leaf with the blessings for the Megillah reading and the Korei Megillah piyyut by R. Avraham ibn Ezra. The text is arranged in six columns, separated by vases bearing large bouquets, resting on ornate pillars; each column of text is surrounded by a foliate and floral arch-shaped ornamental motif. The text and ornaments are set in a green rectangular frame.
Height of parchment: 9 cm. Roller: 28 cm. Leaf of blessings: 39X9 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and creases to leaf of blessings. Minor stains and tears to scroll. Long tear to end of scroll (reinforced with paper on verso). Later corrections to text.