Title
Scroll case, fitted with Esther scroll
Year/Period
Mid to late 19th century
Region
Probably Canton, China
Technique
Dimension
Gross measurement: 20.0 cm,
Object size: Scroll,
when closed: 3.2 x 3.0 x 20.0 cm,
Object size: Scroll,
when opened: 3.2 x 97.5 x 20.0 cm
Object size: Scroll,
when closed: 3.2 x 3.0 x 20.0 cm,
Object size: Scroll,
when opened: 3.2 x 97.5 x 20.0 cm
Accession No.
2021-00015
Collection of
Decorated with alternating panels of bamboo and prunus chased in low relief and enameled in blue and green, this gilded silver case was made to house a scroll of Esther. The Hebrew Book of Esther, often referred to as “the Megillah”, is read out loud in the synagogue during the Jewish feast of Purim celebrated on the 14th of Adar (February or March). This case was made in Canton (Guangzhou) or Hong Kong, as evidenced by the marks on the base. It was in the collection of the Sassoons, a family of Baghdadi Jewish descent who moved to Bombay (Mumbai, India) and acquired immense wealth in the China trade.
