Bidspirit auction | Shisha Sidrei Mishnah Luxurious Edition

Shisha Sidrei Mishnah Luxurious Edition with Rare Magnificent Illustrations! Amsterdam, 1698 * Shisha Sidrei Mishnah in six large volumes, with a Latin translation of the Mishnah text as well as the commentaries of the Rambam and Rabbi Ovadia of Bartenura. An elegant and high-quality edition. At the beginning of each volume is a splendid, detailed engraving, featuring a unique illustration for each masechta included in that section. In addition to these, ten more engravings appear throughout the volumes, most of them large and spanning two pages, offering precise visual aids that enhance understanding of the Mishnah. These engravings include, for example, dozens of diagrams depicting valid and invalid sukkahs from Maseches Sukkah (including a sukkah on a wagon and one atop a camel!), illustrations of kilayim in vineyards, configurations of eiruv chatzeiros, a layout of the Beis HaMikdash, and even a delightful depiction of tefillin and their straps, with the knots according to both Ashkenazic and Sephardic customs! These engravings were undoubtedly prepared by a Jewish scholar thoroughly versed in the nuances of the Mishnah and its commentators. At least two of the engravings were produced by a Jewish artist, who signed them (in print) at the bottom in Hebrew: “By Yitzchak Sofer.” Bound at the beginning of Seder Nezikin is an engraved portrait of the non-Jewish scholar who edited and published this beautiful edition, the Hebraist Willem Surenhuis. Beneath the portrait is the famous verse, “vahaya emunas itecha…, ” which the Sages (Shabbos 31a) interpret as referring to the Shisha Sidrei Mishnah. This edition is the first in the world to include a Latin translation of all six orders, and it remains one of the most beautifully illustrated printings of the Mishnah ever produced! Printing began in 1698 and was completed in 1703. Details of Volumes: Zeraim: [1] engraved title page, [49]; 332, [20] pages + [4] engraved leaves and [12] explanatory pages Moed: [1] engraved title page, [21]; 424, [16] pages + [3] engraved leaves and [8] explanatory pages Nashim: [1] engraved title page, [33]; 384, [15] pages + [1] engraved leaf and [2] explanatory pages Nezikin: [1] engraved title page, [39]; 503, [13] pages + [1] portrait of Surenhuis Kodshim: [1] engraved title page, [45]; 394, [10] pages + [1] folding engraving Taharos: [1] engraved title page, [45]; 504, [12] pages A rare set, especially in such a complete form! Total: [6] volumes. Condition: Generally good. Some stains and holes. Antique bindings with leather spines, worn. Provenance: William Gross Collection, Tel Aviv.