Decorated Esther scroll, with matching leaf of blessings. [Italy, 18th century].
Ink and paint on parchment; turned wood.
Large-format Esther scroll, written on 11 parchment membranes sewn together (first and last membranes smaller and with no text). 27 columns of text, 15 lines per column. With serifs (Tagim); letters Chet with tall, circular raised top. Rolled on large wooden handle.
The scroll is decorated throughout with rich, skillful illustrations, with a fixed architectural pattern mimicking an arcade in Rococo style. Pillars and arches decorated with motifs characteristic of the period, including rocailles, twisting leaves and stylized cartouches, in light blue, light red, and shades of green, pink, gold, yellow and brown. The pillars are topped by vases holding interlocking bouquets of flowers.
The margin of the first membrane is trimmed artistically and decorated with a large, impressive cartouche slanted sideways, surrounded by flower branches and topped with a golden crown. The illustration in the interior of the cartouche depicts a house headed by a small stone bridge, possibly a family coat of arms.
The scroll is accompanied by a large leaf, containing the blessings recited before and after the Megillah reading. The blessings leaf is written by the same scribe, and is decorated with patterns and colors matching those of the scroll.
Height of parchment: 34.5 cm. Length of scroll: 466 cm. Height including handle: 68.5 cm. Overall good condition. Clean, bright parchment. Some stains. Erasures and corrections to text on third column. Light creases at beginning of first membrane. Last archway illustration without text. Blessings leaf: 32.5X33 cm. Overall good condition, with creases and some stains.
