MEGILATH ESTHER

(Scroll of Esther). Black ink on vellum. Italian square Hebrew script 16 lines arranged in 21 columns on 6 membranes. Borders decorated with colorful flowers with gilt embellishments. Opening panel with elaborate foliate illumination surrounding a cartouche set with a pomegranate. The illumination terminates two-thirds from the end of the scroll with the crest of a pelican. Set on turned wooden roller (upper section later) Width: 178 mm

Italian: 18th century