Bidspirit auction | Magnificent Manuscript – Sefer Goralot

Magnificent Manuscript – Sefer Goralot HaChol and Additional Works on Lots and Divination – Illustrated Title Page, Tables and Diagrams in Red Ink – Salonika, 1805 - A handsome and finely executed manuscript containing four works concerning lots and the answering of questions, including books of lots attributed to Rabbi Abraham Ibn Ezra and Rabbi Judah Alharizi. At the beginning of the manuscript is an illustrated title page decorated in red ink, inscribed: “This is the Book of Geomantic Lots, by Yitzhak Herrera, may God preserve him, ” with the place and date: “Year ‘Neshirah’ [chronogram], here in Salonika.” The numerical value of “Neshirah” corresponds to 1805. The title page is designed within an architectural frame, with two columns supporting an arch decorated with a brick-like pattern. The columns and borders incorporate diamond-shaped, floral and geometric ornaments, highlighted in red against black. Above the arch are two birds flanking a central flower. At the bottom of the title page is an elaborate ornament composed of interlocking fish. The name of the scribe and copyist, “Yitzhak Herrera, ” is prominently written in red ink. The meticulous decoration continues throughout the manuscript: each page is framed, and numerous tables and diagrams are written and drawn in red ink. Together with the illustrated title page, these features give the manuscript a richly ornamented and carefully executed appearance. Contents of the manuscript: Leaves [3]–50: “Sefer Goralot HaChol of the Sage R. Abraham Ibn Ezra, of blessed memory.” A work attributed to Rabbi Abraham Ibn Ezra dealing with the tradition of “geomantic lots.” This method, known as geomancy, is based on creating figures from groups of points and interpreting their combinations and positions within the divinatory scheme. Its name derives from the ancient practice of marking the points in sand; in manuscript literature, the figures were transferred to paper and accompanied by diagrams, tables and rules of interpretation. According to the understanding of their authors and users, works of this type were intended to provide answers to questions concerning human affairs and future events. Leaves 51–86: Rules for Determining the Questioner’s Thoughts. A section devoted, according to its title, to identifying the matter occupying the questioner’s mind by means of the lot. This subject is known from the literature of geomancy, in which rules were provided for associating the resulting figures with the subject of the question being posed. Leaves 87–107: “Sefer HaGoralot of the Sage Rabbi Judah Alharizi, of blessed memory.” A work on lots attributed in the manuscript to Rabbi Judah Alharizi, the renowned poet and translator, author of Tahkemoni. Its inclusion alongside the geomantic works broadens the compilation and brings together different traditions of divinatory literature. Leaves 108–112: “Goral Urim VeTumim.” An additional work concerning lots, bearing the name of the biblical Urim and Tumim, through which questions were posed and answers received. This title is also known in later literature on lots. An extensive compilation of works on lots and divination, produced in Salonika at the beginning of the 19th century, combining rich textual content with meticulous scribal work and elaborate decoration. [3], 112 leaves. 22 cm. Good condition. Ink smudging in several places. Minor worming. Stains, primarily in the first part of the manuscript. Paper repairs reinforcing the first and final leaves. Attractive half-leather binding with marbled paper.