- 339
A Decorated Ketubbah from India, 1938
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
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Description
- 15 x 14 inches
ink and gouache on parchment.
height 15 in.; width 14 in.
38 cm; 36 cm
Recording the marriage of Moses, son of Eliah and Simha, daughter of Abraham Moses, on Wednesday 8 Adar I, [= 9 February 1938].
According to popular legend, Cochin's Jewish community dates back to ancient times. However, their decorated ketubbot are known only from the 1800s and 1900s. This exquisite example from 1938 is drawn on parchment rather than paper, making it a more deluxe document than most other Indian ketubbot. Its dense array of flowers and birds, anchored by vases and framed by arches, creates a rich surrounding for the two-part text. As is typical of Indian ketubbot, the upper text comprises a lengthy blessing for the bridal couple, while the lower text contains the contractual agreement. A floral frame at the bottom of the page contains the witnesses' signatures and, somewhat unusually, the name and signature of the bride's father, Abraham Moses.
height 15 in.; width 14 in.
38 cm; 36 cm
Recording the marriage of Moses, son of Eliah and Simha, daughter of Abraham Moses, on Wednesday 8 Adar I, [= 9 February 1938].
According to popular legend, Cochin's Jewish community dates back to ancient times. However, their decorated ketubbot are known only from the 1800s and 1900s. This exquisite example from 1938 is drawn on parchment rather than paper, making it a more deluxe document than most other Indian ketubbot. Its dense array of flowers and birds, anchored by vases and framed by arches, creates a rich surrounding for the two-part text. As is typical of Indian ketubbot, the upper text comprises a lengthy blessing for the bridal couple, while the lower text contains the contractual agreement. A floral frame at the bottom of the page contains the witnesses' signatures and, somewhat unusually, the name and signature of the bride's father, Abraham Moses.
Exhibited
To Have and To Hold: Decorated Marriage Contracts, 17th–19th Centuries. The Herbert and Eileen Bernard Museum, Congregation Emanu-El, New York, 2001
Literature
“The Illuminated Ketubbah” by Shalom Sabar in The Jews of India: A Story of Three Communities, Edited by Orpah Slapak. Jerusalem: 1995, pp. 166-201
Condition
Matted and 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.