Esther Scroll in Decorated Silver Case – Greece, 19th Century

Esther scroll, housed in silver case. [Greece or the Balkan region, late 19th century].

Silver, repoussé and engraved, cast, and turned (unmarked); gilt; ink on parchment.

Written on five sheets of parchment sewn together, 20 columns of text, mostly 22 lines per column.

Housed in cylindrical silver case, symmetrically patterned, with a large floral wreath rising from a basket, encircled by additional vegetal/floral patterns, and with four corner ornaments. All decorative patterns in relief. Dome-shaped lid and base, gilt, and engraved with matching patterns. Tall floral ornament surmounting lid. Gilt silver pull bar, with matching pattern and small handle. Shaft handle also decorated.

Height of parchment: 8.5 cm. Overall good condition. Tear, several cm in length, to fourth sheet. Slight unraveling to sewn joints between sheets. Few stains, mostly to first sheet. Height of case (including handle): 35 cm. Good condition.