Esther scroll. [Lithuania or Jerusalem? Ca. 19th century; later decorations].
Ink and paint on parchment; rolled on carved wooden handle (non-original).
Written in neat Ashkenazic Stam script (Beit Yosef), with serifs (Tagim), on five parchment membranes, 17 text columns, 6 lines per column.
The scroll is hand-decorated throughout with illustrations, including arches and pillars. The bottom margins feature medallions incorporating the twelve zodiacs and illustrations relating to the Purim story (the illustrations appear to have been added in Jerusalem, ca. 1940s-1950s).
Height of parchment: 27.5 cm. Maximum height (including handle): 51 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, wear and creases. Tears, repaired (to verso of parchment). Deleted letters and fading of ink.
