![Miniature Esther scroll in decorated case. [Iraq or Morocco, late 19th century].
Ink on parchment; low-grade or nickel s](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale109/21_1.jpg "Esther Scroll in Decorated Silver Case – Iraq or Morocco, 19th Century")
![Miniature Esther scroll in decorated case. [Iraq or Morocco, late 19th century].
Ink on parchment; low-grade or nickel s](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale109/21_2.jpg "Esther Scroll in Decorated Silver Case – Iraq or Morocco, 19th Century")
![Miniature Esther scroll in decorated case. [Iraq or Morocco, late 19th century].
Ink on parchment; low-grade or nickel s](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale109/21_3.jpg "Esther Scroll in Decorated Silver Case – Iraq or Morocco, 19th Century")
![Miniature Esther scroll in decorated case. [Iraq or Morocco, late 19th century].
Ink on parchment; low-grade or nickel s](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale109/21_4.jpg "Esther Scroll in Decorated Silver Case – Iraq or Morocco, 19th Century")
Auction 109 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Megillot and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Esther Scroll in Decorated Silver Case – Iraq or Morocco, 19th Century – Algarbali Family
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $2,375
Including buyer's premium
Miniature Esther scroll in decorated case. [Iraq or Morocco, late 19th century].
Ink on parchment; low-grade or nickel silver, pierced, repoussé, carved and engraved (unmarked).
Esther scroll on 4 parchment membranes sewn together, 24 text columns, 16 lines per column, with serifs (Tagim).
Housed in an octagonal silver case, in a design characteristic of 19th-century Iraq and the Near East. The sides of the case are decorated alternately in vegetal patterns and a geometrical guilloche (reminiscent of North African decorations as well), topped with a pointed polygonal dome topped by a flower ornament. Short, straight handle, also decorated. Owner's name engraved on one side of case: "Shmuel son of Yitzchak Algarbali" (this family name is common in Morocco). Another side is engraved "Blessed is Mordechai, b[lessed is] E[sther], and H[arbonah is also] r[emembered] f[or the good]" (in another script).
Height of parchment: 6.5 cm. Overall good condition. Some stains and tears. Tear approx. 18 cm long to first membrane, with amateur tape repairs. Height of case (including handle): 20 cm. Overall good condition. Pull bar lacking, with tear to parchment where it had been sewn. Minor defects.
Esther Scrolls
Esther Scrolls