A Fine Illustrated Esther Scroll, Amsterdam: ca. 1720

(7 ¾  x 72 in.: 197 x 1820 mm). Manuscript with engraved printed borders; ink on parchment. Text written in square Ashkenazic script arranged in 17 columns with 26 lines to a column on four membranes stitched together. Some minor tears and marginal wear including membrane joins; a few light creases; dampstaining at final membrane. Housed in modern blind tooled leather case.

The finely engraved border on this eighteenth century Dutch scroll reflects the innovative technique of integrating printing technology with the age-old scribal tradition of writing by hand the entire the text of the biblical book of Esther. Detailed narrative scenes unfold along the lower border and portraits of the characters of the Purim story are presented in cartouches above the text. The decorated opening panel contains the benedictions recited before the reading of the scroll, surrounded by a series of illustrations including Esther and Ahasuerus seated on a double throne, the hanging of Bigthan and Teresh, Mordecai refusing to bow down to Haman, Haman leading Mordecai through the streets of Shushan on a horse, Esther and Mordecai writing the Purim letter, and the hanging of Haman and his ten sons. The final column contains the blessing to be recited after reading the scroll as well as a concluding hymn, Asher Heni.