- 328
A Decorated Ketubbah from Tetuan, Morocco 1850
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description
- 17 x 13 inches
ink and gouache on parchment.
height 17 in.; width 13 in.
43 cm; 33 cm
Recording the marriage of Makhluf...Toledano, son of Pinhas, son of Abraham, and Johas, daughter of Yeshuah Pariente, on Wednesday 25 Av [5]610 (= August 3, 1850). Witnesses: Isaac ibn Gualid (chief Rabbi of Tetuan) Isaac Navon.
This ketubbah is one of the best examples of the uninterrupted continuation of the Sephardi heritage in North Africa. Its main decorative feature, the poly-lobed arch, is reminiscent of Moorish architecture from the Iberian Peninsula. This design element was employed to embellish Hebrew manuscripts by the Jews who migrated to North Africa after the expulsions from Spain and Portugal in 1492 and 1497.
The text is written in a Sephardi cursive script with the names of the bride and the groom and the word chai (life/eighteen - a reference to the total sum of the dowry) in larger square script. Particular emphasis was placed on the lineage of the bridal couple and several generations of each family are listed here. An element specific to the ketubbot of North Africa is the inclusion of the nickname for the month in which the wedding took place, in this document, the month of Av is titled “the Merciful.” As this ketubbah celebrates a wedding of members from the community of Megorashim (those Jews of North Africa who had been expelled from Spain) it includes the heartfelt plea beseeching God to have mercy upon and protect the exiled community of Castile, Spain.
height 17 in.; width 13 in.
43 cm; 33 cm
Recording the marriage of Makhluf...Toledano, son of Pinhas, son of Abraham, and Johas, daughter of Yeshuah Pariente, on Wednesday 25 Av [5]610 (= August 3, 1850). Witnesses: Isaac ibn Gualid (chief Rabbi of Tetuan) Isaac Navon.
This ketubbah is one of the best examples of the uninterrupted continuation of the Sephardi heritage in North Africa. Its main decorative feature, the poly-lobed arch, is reminiscent of Moorish architecture from the Iberian Peninsula. This design element was employed to embellish Hebrew manuscripts by the Jews who migrated to North Africa after the expulsions from Spain and Portugal in 1492 and 1497.
The text is written in a Sephardi cursive script with the names of the bride and the groom and the word chai (life/eighteen - a reference to the total sum of the dowry) in larger square script. Particular emphasis was placed on the lineage of the bridal couple and several generations of each family are listed here. An element specific to the ketubbot of North Africa is the inclusion of the nickname for the month in which the wedding took place, in this document, the month of Av is titled “the Merciful.” As this ketubbah celebrates a wedding of members from the community of Megorashim (those Jews of North Africa who had been expelled from Spain) it includes the heartfelt plea beseeching God to have mercy upon and protect the exiled community of Castile, Spain.
Condition
Framed. Not examined outside of frame.
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.
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.