A Parchment-Cut Illustrated Esther Scroll, [Israel, ca. 2000]

A Parchment-Cut Illustrated Esther Scroll, [Israel, ca. 2000]

The present unsigned Esther scroll was undoubtedly created in Israel around the beginning of this century. It opens with a miniature depicting Haman leading Mordechai through the streets of Shushan and closes with one portraying modern-day Hasidim celebrating the Purim holiday. Each column of text is surmounted by a pair of either lions or deer supporting a crown; between each column is a portrait of a different modern-day Purim celebrant; and beneath each column is a vignette, generally illustrating scenes from the Purim story: Ahasuerus’ feast; Vashti refusing Ahasuerus’ order; Mordechai overhearing Bigthan and Teresh; Haman choosing a month in which to destroy the Jewish people; Ahasuerus extending his scepter to Esther; Ahasuerus being read to; Jewish men praying at the Western Wall; Esther accusing Haman before Ahasuerus; gallows being prepared; David’s Citadel; the Jews of Shushan rejoicing; Mordechai and Esther writing at their desks; and the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of this scroll is its elaborate parchment-cut, golden scrolling border design interspersed with drawings of gems. The visual effect of the artistry that went into the creation of this scroll is strikingly impressive.

Physical Description

Scroll (11 1/4 x approx. 115 3/4 in.; 285 x approx. 2935 mm) on parchment. Text written in Ashkenazic Beit yosef square script in black ink; arranged in 15 columns with 28 lines to a column on 4 membranes stitched together; each column (aside from the first) up till the ten sons of Haman begins with the word ha-melekh (the king). Elaborately decorated parchment-cut borders; no parchment cutting at the joints between membranes. Parts of verso accidentally painted. Housed in a modern blue felt-covered cylinder with lid.