SCROLL OF ESTHER IN PEWTER CASE. Probably Germany, early 19th century. Parchment Scroll: in Aschkenazi script.

Body engraved in two registers, each with two scenes separated by foliate decorated section. Upper section depicting Haman leading Mordechai astride the King’s horse and the hanging of the ten sons of Haman; lower images include Esther preparing herself to meet King Ahasuerus, and Haman appearing at Queen Esther’s dinner. The whole topped by drum bearing cast lion rampant holding shield. The stave is wood, with pewter cap. Engraved pewter pull. H: 450mm.

An interesting feature of the scroll is the highlighting of initial letters forming the Tetragrammaton, this occurs in five separate places. Its usage is a circumspect method of indicating the Divine presence-otherwise unspoken- in the events of the Esther story. The engraved figures on the case are reminiscent of those on another German 19th century Megillah case; see Israel Museum Catalogue, The Stieglitz Collection (1987), No. 190, p. 276 SEE ILLUSTRATION