Esther Scroll, Decorated by Hand, along with Matching Sheet of Blessings – Italy, 1780 – HaLevi Family

Decorated Esther scroll with accompanying sheet of blessings. [Italy], 5540 [1780].

Ink on parchment; turned wood.

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Esther Scroll, Decorated by Hand, along with Matching Sheet of Blessings – Italy, 1780 – HaLevi Family

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

Jan 27, 2026

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Esther Scroll, Decorated by Hand, along with Matching Sheet of Blessings – Italy, 1780 – HaLevi Family

Opening: $700

Sold for: $3,000

Including buyer's premium

Decorated Esther scroll with accompanying sheet of blessings. [Italy], 5540 [1780].

Ink on parchment; turned wood.

Esther scroll in large format, inscribed on 3 sheets of parchment sewn one to the other; text of Book of Esther arranged in 16 columns, with 25 rows per column. "Tagim" (decorative "crownlets") over designated letters.

All columns of text are enclosed within rectangular decorative frames, painted in gold (which appears greenish in faded areas). The leading edge of the scroll has been artfully cut, and a slender parchment pull tab is attached to it. Scroll wound around a tall wooden scroll rod with long handles at either end.

The scroll is accompanied by a sheet of blessings which includes the blessings recited with the reading of the "Megillah, " as well as the "piyyut" (liturgical poem) "Korei Megillah, " composed by the renowned 11-12th-century Torah scholar and biblical commentator Abraham Ibn Ezra; the texts are enclosed within four illuminated frames in the form of arched architectonic gates with pillars, and adorned in vegetal patterns painted purple, yellow, green, and red.

An ownership notation (Hebrew) appears at the base of the central pillar: "Acquired by purchase [i.e., legally owned] by / M. Gershon bar / Shemuel HaKohen, may his Rock and Redeemer protect him / Year 5540 to the Creation [1780]". (Apparently, a different name had originally appeared here.)

Height of parchment sheets: 18 cm. Height of scroll rod (incl. handle): 40.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and tear (mended) to first parchment sheet. Stains and faded paint, occasionally affecting text. Tears to third sheet, some lengthy, professionally mended. Faded paint. Scroll rod and handles more recent. Sheet of blessings: 47.5X17.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, creases, and wear, with damage to text and illuminations. Several small tears, professionally mended.

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