Decorated Esther Scroll – Ottoman Empire, 19th Century

Download picture

Decorated Esther Scroll – Ottoman Empire, 19th Century

4 PHOTOS

Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art

Jan 27, 2026

Prices Realized

Browse Sale

Decorated Esther Scroll – Ottoman Empire, 19th Century

Opening: $800

Sold for: $5,500

Including buyer's premium

Decorated Esther scroll. [Ottoman Empire, 19th century].

Ink and paint on parchment; fabric sheet; carved and pierced handle.

Esther scroll written on three parchment membranes sewn together, 15 text columns, 20 lines per column. HaMelech scroll (most columns begin with the word HaMelech), written in Sephardic Stam (Vellish) script, without serifs (Tagim).

The scroll is decorated throughout in yellow, green, blue and purple, characteristic of the Ottoman Empire and inspired by Islamic art. The first text column is surrounded by a multifoil arch. The margins of the scroll and other columns are surrounded by rich, colorful frames, decorated with repeating symmetric floral patterns. A fabric sheet with a lace for fastening is sewn into the edge of the first parchment membrane.

The scroll is rolled on an original handle, with the upper part stylized as a two-story tower, topped by a crescent-like decorative element.

Height of parchment: 15 cm. Maximum height (including handle): 33 cm. Fair-good condition. Slight stains and defects. Open tear to outer edge of scroll (repaired with parchment and paint). Margins of last membrane mounted on new paper sewn onto handle. Tears and wear to fabric sheet at edge of scroll.

Ask about this lot

Esther Scrolls

View Details