Important Judaica
Important Judaica
AN ILLUSTRATED KETUBBAH FROM CALCUTTA, 1928
Auction Closed
June 5, 04:47 PM GMT
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
AN ILLUSTRATED KETUBBAH FROM CALCUTTA, 1928
Ink and gouache on paper (19 7/8 x 13 3/8 in.; 505 x 338 mm); written in Eastern square (blessings at head, incipit, and points of emphasis) and semi-cursive (text body) scripts in black ink; ruled in plummet; groom’s affirmation and witness signatures below. Two blessing panels at head; decorated with images of lions, fish, and peacocks set within a floral border design. Slight scattered staining. Matted.
Celebrating the wedding of Ezekiel ben Joseph Ezekiel Elijah Shohet and Rachel bat David Ezekiel Ezra on Tuesday, 14 Av 5688 (July 31, 1928).
This marriage contract from Calcutta is embellished with a richly painted border of peacocks and flowers. The two fish depicted in the center of the document symbolize fertility, as expressed in Jacob’s blessing to Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh: “And may they be teeming multitudes [lit., swarm like fish] upon the earth” (Gen. 48:16). Additionally, according to rabbinic lore, fish are considered symbols of good luck because they are concealed by water and thus immune to the Evil Eye. At the top of the ketubbah, the scribe has included a series of traditional blessings for the bride and groom expressing the hope that the newlywed couple flourish and prosper.