Bidspirit auction | Fine Megillas Esther in a

Fine Megillas Esther in a Magnificent Silver Filigree Case Ottoman Empire, 19th Century * Megillas Esther on fine-quality parchment, written in traditional oriental STaM (Torah) script with tagim (crownlets), eighteen lines per column, with fine decorative designs. Includes a separate clover-shaped parchment sheet containing the blessings of the Megillah. The Megillah is housed in a large, splendid silver case, crafted in rich and precise filigree work by a master silversmith — a true work of art, with gilded highlights. At the top of the case is a magnificent four-tiered crown, surmounted by a cone-shaped ornament ending in a small basket or vase form, set with a coral at its tip. With a large, impressive handle. A beautiful and finely executed style, distinctly characteristic of the silversmiths of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. The interior of the case is lined with its original fabric, embroidered in a fine geometric floral pattern. Most of the binding loops have come undone. Size: Height of parchment approx. 15 cm; height of case approx. 46.5 cm; width of case approx. 5 cm. Condition: Good; minor restorations and small dents. For comparable examples, see: The Jews of Spain in the Ottoman Empire, edited by Esther Yohas, Israel Museum Publications, Jerusalem 1989, p. 83, pl. 41; Center for Jewish Art (CJA), item no. 40982, from the William Gross Collection.