Miniature format Esther scroll, housed in a decorated olive wood case. [The Balkans or Italy?, ca. 18th/19th century / Palestine, late 19th or early 20th century].
Ink on parchment; turned olive wood, filigree and granulation.
Esther scroll written in Sephardic script (probably from Italy of the Balkans) on 6 parchment membranes sewn together, 23 text columns, 16-17 lines per column (4 lines only on last membrane).
The scroll is housed in a designated case made of olive wood and decorated in a technique characteristic of the Jews of Yemen – with small silver thread (filigree) and granulation – and in patterns reminiscent of Yemenite jewelry decoration, probably the work of a Yemenite silversmith in Palestine. Additionally, a Yemenite amulet case may have been incorporated into this item in secondary use.

Height of parchment: approx. 9.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and fading of ink. Folds between columns of text, with some amateur tape reinforcement of tears. Minor tears to edges and old cutting signs (probably to fit the scroll in the case). Height of case: 28 cm. Fair-good condition. Minor warping and loose welding to bottom. Old soldering repairs. Some silver balls and pieces of decoration lacking. Minor cracks to wooden handle and open fractures to top ornament.