Scroll of Esther

Provenance	Italy
Chronology	18th century
Material	Ink on parchment. Cylindrical turned‑wood support
Record	MHJ129
Section	Family

The festival of Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar, commemorating the miracle described in the Book of Esther, when the Jews were saved from annihilation under the rule of the Persian king Ahasuerus, around 450 BCE. It is a joyful and festive celebration. During this holiday, the Scroll of Esther is read, recounting this story. People exchange gifts with friends and neighbours and give presents to those in need. A festive meal is held, traditional sweets are eaten, plays and festivals are performed, and many people dress up in costumes.
On the museum's first floor you can see a Scroll of Esther made in Italy around 1800, very well preserved. The object consists of several parchment fragments sewn together to form a single piece more than three metres long. The entire parchment is rolled around a turned‑wood rod. When opened, it reveals a beautiful text in square Hebrew script written in black ink, along with colourful floral decorations. All the decorations are handmade.

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