Kad ha-Kemah (Jar of Flour), Bahya ben Asher ben Hlava, Constantinople, Samuel ben David ibn Nahmias: 1515

Folio (11 x 7 7/8 in.; 280 x 200 mm). collation: 1-11^{8=88 leaves, woodcut title border and initials, woodcut crest on last page; title detached stained and soiled with worming in blank margin, leaf two supplied from a shorter copy, mostly marginal dampstains throughout, one leaf remargined, other marginal mends and wormholes, leaf 33 torn in lower outer corner touching one letter. Seventeenth-century calf blind-ruled; worn, spine broken, covers detached.}

Vinograd, Constantinople 57; Yaari, Constantinople 40; Mehlman 960

Folio (11 x 7 7/8 in.; 280 x 200 mm). collation: 1-118=88 leaves, woodcut title border and initials, woodcut crest on last page; title detached stained and soiled with worming in blank margin, leaf two supplied from a shorter copy, mostly marginal dampstains throughout, one leaf remargined, other marginal mends and wormholes, leaf 33 torn in lower outer corner touching one letter. 17th-century calf blind-ruled; worn, spine broken, covers detached.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Kad ha-Kemah was composed by Bahya ben Asher ben Hlava (13th century). The title, Kad ha-Kemah, is taken from I Kings, 17:14-16, and refers to the story of a miracle performed by the Prophet Elijah. This series of sixty alphabetically arranged pietistic and ethical discourses on the tenets of Judaism, discusses a wide variety of themes. Among his observations is the view that the dispersion of the Jews allows them to fulfill their mission of living as a model nation and spreading the knowledge of the One God and His Providence. Once the mission is fulfilled, says Bahya, redemption will come. Remarkable for its clarity of language, his homiletical message is nevertheless detailed and comprehensive.

The title page of Kad ha-Kemah has an ornamental frame. Below the text is the device of Judah ben Joseph Sassoon, who provided financial support for this and other books through 1516. The emblem which also appears at the end of the work is a white lion passant against a black background with a twine border. This mark appears on the title page and/or end of all the books financed by Sassoon.