Eric Chaim Kline, Bookseller - Old and Rare Books

Esther Scroll (Megilat Esther) Illuminated Manuscript [UNIQUE, 1/1]

Keshet, Enya

Jerusalem: [2002]. Scroll. Housed in a custom felt covered case, in dark blue with silver lettering and decorations. A unique and beautiful Esther scroll created by Israeli artist Enya Keshet, with calligraphic manuscript text in Hebrew on soft vellum, backed in black velvet.

The scroll opens with a large image of King Achashverosh in his court, in the side margin and followed by an additional fifteen bold 3.5x4" multi-colored and gilt accented vignettes of scenes from the Book of Esther along the bottom margin of the text. The illustrations have been done in a folkloric style, based on the tradition of illuminated images from 11th century Georgia. An additional prominent feature of the scroll is its inclusion of elaborate gilt accented floral and Star of David paper-cut motifs cut into the vellum, along the bottom and top margins. These paper-cuts are a defining feature of the work of the Israeli artist Enya Keshet. Each text section comprises 28 lines, framed in gold borders. Melech megilah with torah-style text in the Ashkenazi tradition. When full rolled out the scroll measures nearly 9' long and 1 1/4' tall. The very end of the scroll contains the artist's perforated signature, date and phrase "Megilot Yerushalim", all in Hebrew in the side margin. A gorgeous modern Esther Scroll lettered, decorated and illustrated in an elegant hand. Near fine condition. Item #55267

Price: $15,000.00