Bidspirit auction | Magnificent Binding – Teshuvot HaTashbatz.

Magnificent Binding – Teshuvot HaTashbatz. Amsterdam, 1738–1741. First Edition of a Foundational Work. - Teshuvot HaTashbatz, one of the most important halachic works, containing over nine hundred responsa by Rabbi Shimon ben Tzemach Duran (the Rashbatz), one of the great rabbis of Algeria. Four parts bound together, each with a separate title page, including Chut HaMeshulash. First edition. Amsterdam, 1738–1741. Some have mistakenly claimed that the magnificent binding was made of fish skin, but in fact it is parchment made from animal hide, upon which geometric patterns were embossed and then hand-painted by an artist. This explains why no two bindings of this edition are identical. Rabbi Rachamim, son of Rabbi Chaim Palagi, writes in Yafeh LaLev: “I have heard that the great Rabbi Rashbatz merited that his responsa, Teshuvot HaTashbatz, would be printed and bound with an exceptionally beautiful cover — unlike any other — because he was always careful to spread a fine and precious cloth over the books that lay open before him for study.” There are various title-page variants of this edition. The present copy features the rare variant in which the first title page bears the date 1741 (תק״א) and includes illustrations of Moses and Aaron, Solomon and David in place of the two lions found on the standard version. These copies contain only the first title page and the three title pages of the fourth part. (See: N. Ben-Menahem, Besod Sefarim, Sinai XVI [1945], pp. 324–326; D. & G. Yardeni, Seder Hadpasto Shel HaTashbatz, Alei Sefer X, pp. 119–132.) Referenced in: Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod, no. 270. [11], 91; 69 [1]; 68 [1]; [1], 101 [1] leaves. 31.5 cm. Very good condition. White, high-quality paper. Colored edges. Splendid parchment binding, slightly worn along the spine.