Mar 31, 2001, The B. H. Manuscript/Collectible/Philatelic Sale, Sale 9
Lot 810
19th Century Megillah.
Palestine, circa 1860. In Hebrew. Black ink on leather. The Megillah
consists of several pieces of leather sewn together to make a scroll,
measuring a full 10 feet long. Text is 9" wide and mounted on 14" wooden
pole.The text is bold and beautifully inscribed. Accompanied by The Book
of Esther With Translations in Verse Form and a Presentation of Laws
and Customs by Rabbi Yakov Yosef Reinman, New York, 1994. The first 35
inches of the scroll show water stains, there are a few small patches of
surface abrasions throughout, and the inscription on the outside of the
scroll shows obvious wear. Overall, quite choice as usually, when found,
these are significantly weathered.
Celebrated for over 2000 years,
Purim commemorates the heroic story of Queen Esther and Mordechai, serving
as a reminder that as long as there is life, there is hope. The Megillah, a
scroll inscribed with the story of Esther, is read twice during the
festival of Purim, once at night and once during the day. The historic
importance of Esther and the uniqueness of the book which bears her name
cannot be underestimated. Esther's courage in the face of imperial power as
she sought to rescue her people from wholesale slaughter and the constant,
although unmentioned, presence of the hand of God makes the tale a powerful
one. The stories of Jewish triumph against murderous Persian citizens, the
ultimate triumph of Esther and Mordechai, and the execution of Haman
together provide a dramatic finish to the story and are celebrated with
feasting and merriment -- the festival of Purim. The scroll offered here
appears to bear the entire story of Esther, in other words, the whole
Megillah.
Estimated Value $1,500-UP.
Lot 811
Amuletic Silver
Pendant. Iran, Isfahan, 19th or early 20th century AD. Hand-shaped
amuletic pendant in silver. The amulet contains two lines of Hebrew script
invoking the blessing of Jacob, and declaring protection from the "evil
eye." Size: 1-7/8 x 1-1/8". The amulet is in very fine condition but
in need of cleaning. Nevertheless, very wearable and popular.
Estimated
Value $150-200.
Lot 812
Amuletic Silver
Pendant. Iran, Isfahan, 19th or early 20th century AD. Good sized
amuletic pendant in silver in a tabernacle shape. Bordered by floral
arabesques, the amulet contains four lines of Hebrew script, reading: "God
bless you, and take care of you, and show you the way of light; never
forgetting you while giving you health. Amen." Size: 2-3/4 x 2".
With recent chain. Amulet is in very fine condition, but in need of
cleaning.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 813
Iran, 19th century, or
earlier. Illumination with Hebrew text. Fully illustrated page from a
Jewish manuscript. Painted in traditional style, the page shows an outdoor
scene of a king (Solomon?) seated on a raised divan and surrounded by
courtiers. The king leans forward to discuss a religious matter with the
man at his side, while to the left a turbaned man bows in obeisance. A
rough translation of the text appears to suggest that the rabbi has called
forth for a discussion relating to the "God of the two worlds." Page shows
some soiling, but overall quite nice. A colorful and historical
collectible. Page size: 7 x 4-1/4"; mounted in simple frame, with
the Persian translation on the verso.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 814
Iran, Isfahan, 18th or
early 19th century AD. Silver amuletic plaque of rectangular shape,
with beveled corners and two suspension loops. Each side engraved with ten
lines of Hebrew script, an invocation of remembrance, along with calling on
the aid of numerous angels. "Remember God, and our father, the prophet
Abraham, along with Isaac and Jacob. And by these angels: Raphael, Nouriel,
Gabriel, Mikhael, Mishael, Shaltiel, and Peniel, ask from God health.
Amen." Plaque a little worn, the silver patinated. With more recent chain
for wearing. Plaque size: 2 x 2". Choice and scarce.
Estimated
Value $200-300.