Bidspirit auction | Esther Scroll in Decorated Silver

Esther Scroll in Decorated Silver Case – Iraq – Shehayek (Sehayek) Family - Miniature Esther scroll in decorated case. Iraq, probably Baghdad, Ottoman Empire, early 20th century. Ink on parchment; silver, cast, repoussé and engraved (unmarked). Esther scroll on 7 parchment membranes sewn together, 29 text columns, 14 lines per column, with serifs (Tagim). Housed in octagonal silver case, decorated in vegetal patterns, with top designed as a pointed dome topped by an ornamental knob. The handle is also domed and decorated. The owner's name is engraved at the base of the case: ”Moshe Shehayek Shadi Sason” (the surname Shehayek or Sehayek is characteristic of Iraqi Jews). Height of parchment: 5.5 cm. Height of case (including handle): 17 cm. Overall good condition. Dark stains to edges of first three membranes (generally not affecting text). Tear approx. 15 cm long to upper margins of third membrane, affecting text in two columns. Handle slightly bent.