Manuscript, Otzrot Chaim, by R. Chaim Vital – from the teachings of the Arizal. [Bohemia?], 1770.

Ashkenazic semi-cursive and cursive scripts.

At beginning of manuscript, title page illustrated with an impressive architectural frame, with a pair of lions and angelic figures. The center of the title page reads: "Otzrot Chaim, by… R. Chaim Vital, copying concluded on Friday, 31st day of the Omer, [1770]".

At bottom of title page, name of copyist given as "Binyamin Ze'ev son of R. Shlomo of Czechowice".

We know of this scribe from two other manuscripts – Kavanot Gedolot (Mishnat Chassidim), written in Neu-Bidschow, Bohemia (present-day Nový Bydžov, Czech Republic) in 1771 (Oxford Bodleian Ms. Mich. 351); and Pri Etz Chaim Part I, also written in 1771 (Bavarian State Library Ms. Cod. Hebr. 432).

On last leaf, the scribe copied several glosses by R. Moshe Zacuto, under the name Kol HaRamaz, as noted on previous page.

Marginal glosses by other writers.

Signature on title page (in Latin characters; partially deleted): "Emanuel D…[?]"; on second leaf, signature (partially deleted): "R. Henech…".

Provenance: Mozes Heiman Gans collection, no. 5.

[2], 228, [1] leaves. Approx. 23 cm. Good condition. Stains and browning of paper to some leaves. Original leather binding, gilt (tears and defects to binding).