Silver megillah case. Iraq, dated 1797
Octagonal beautiful silver megillah case in classic Iraqi style dated 1797. An Iraqi megillah case from such an early period and so artistically crafted is extremely rare, if not entirely unique.
Description: Octagonal megillah case in typical Iraqi style, cast, repoussé, engraved and pierced. A cast and patterned scrolling handle connects to the hammered silver base.
The body of the case is engraved with scrolling foliage. A ring encircles the upper part, adorned with petals and surmounted by an octagonal, engraved spire and cast bird finial. A silver pull bar with a ring is used to unravel the scroll.
The lower part of the case is encircled by a ring of twisted silver wires, and above it, within an engraved frame, the owner’s name is inscribed in Hebrew:
“Yosef son of the esteemed Rabbi Avraham Zabach, may G-d preserve him, year 5557”.
Condition: Good. slight flaws. includes Megillah scroll from a later period.
Size: Height: 19 cm (inc. handle). Width: 4.7 cm.
Weight: 103 grams
Provenance: Yechezkel Toporowitch Collection
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Purim is one of the favorite Jewish holidays among adults and children, a day abounding with joy, festivities and special mitzvos. One of the most important mitzvos of the day is reading the megillah, and one way of enhancing this mitzvah is storing the megillah in a special, ornate case.
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