Large-format Esther scroll. [Italy, apparently Rome, late 17th century].

Ink and paint on parchment; wood, turned and carved.

Esther scroll written on 6 parchment sheets sewn together, 21 lines of text, 21 lines per column. Serifs (Tagim). Sewn to tall wooden handle, with a crown-like decoration topped by a large bud.

At outer edge of scroll, large family coat of arms – an erect lion holding a branch in its front paw, resting its back paw on a wheel (perhaps the Bondi family coat of arms) – within a decorated, framed cartouche and surrounded by a wide, colorful architectural frame composed of a pair of pillars, a parapet balustrade and frieze illustrated with flowers and fruits. At end of scroll, large illustration added at a later date (apparently from the 20th century), depicting King Ahasuerus and Mordechai, with a frame matching that of the former illustration.

Height of parchment: 33.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Fading of ink and paint. Stains throughout scroll. Outer edge of scroll worn and stained, as usual, with tear of approx. 3 cm. Height of roller: 61 cm. Overall good condition, two open cracks to upper decoration.