Decorated Esther scroll housed in a silver case. [Greece or vicinity, 19th century].

Silver, repoussé and engraved; silver, cast and turned (unmarked); ink and paint on parchment.

Decorated Esther scroll, inscribed on four parchment sheets sewn one to the other, 17 columns of text, usually 22 lines per column.

The scroll is decorated throughout in yellow-gold, purple, and pink tones: each text column is enclosed within a fine yellow-gold rectangular frame, separated by narrow strips adorned with delicate vegetal and geometric designs. The opening margin of the scroll features a similar ornamental design.

The scroll is housed in a cylindrical silver case decorated with various motifs, including a seven-branched menorah, the Tablets of the Law, a jug, a flowering branch, and vegetal patterns. The case has bulbous base and lid, with a tall floral ornament at the top, and a wide silver clasp with matching decoration and a small suspension ring.

Height of parchment: 12 cm, height of case (including handle): 35.5 cm. Overall good condition. One leaf ornament at top of the case is broken and partially missing.