Decorated Esther scroll on a wooden roller. [Morocco, late 19th century].
Wood, turned and carved; metal; ink and paint on parchment.
Esther scroll inscribed on 14 parchment sheets sewn one to the other; 57 columns of text, 10-16 lines per column.
Text columns set within arched frames, surrounded by column-like and vegetal decorations painted in blue, red, green, and yellow.
The scroll is rolled on its original wooden roller, adorned with pierced metal bands, similar to the ornaments on Moroccan Torah rollers.
Parchment height: 9.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Scroll inscribed on parchment of varying quality, some with fading of ink and paint. Minor tears. One open tear at the beginning of the first sheets (repaired). Long parchment strip for fastening the scroll is a later addition. Roller height: 33.5 cm. Overall good condition. Minor cracks and wear to the wood and metal bands.
